Abstract
Women use available cues to determine men’s fitness as long and short term mates. Previous studies have shown that men with tattoos are perceived as more dominant and prone to risk taking. In study 1, women rated men who were electronically manipulated to either have or not have visible tattoos. We hypothesize that tattooed men will be preferred for short-term mating strategies, but less-preferred for long-term mating. Further, a woman’s impression of a taken man includes pre-conceived assumptions that he has compelling qualities as a potential mate. These impressions, however, may be attenuated by how attractive the man’s romantic partner is. For instance, a man who is seen with an attractive woman will be assumed to possess a high mate-value. In study 2, women rated four conditions of photos with men. The men were presented as single, with an attractive, average, or unattractive woman. We hypothesize that women will rate men as possessing higher desirability as a long term and a short term mate when accompanied by an attractive woman.
Faculty Sponsors
Jason Piccone, Ph.D.
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-10-2015 1:00 PM
End Date
4-10-2015 5:30 PM
Flings and Things: The Effects of Men's Tattoos and Companions on Women's Short- and Long-Term Romantic Interests
Alvin Sherman Library
Women use available cues to determine men’s fitness as long and short term mates. Previous studies have shown that men with tattoos are perceived as more dominant and prone to risk taking. In study 1, women rated men who were electronically manipulated to either have or not have visible tattoos. We hypothesize that tattooed men will be preferred for short-term mating strategies, but less-preferred for long-term mating. Further, a woman’s impression of a taken man includes pre-conceived assumptions that he has compelling qualities as a potential mate. These impressions, however, may be attenuated by how attractive the man’s romantic partner is. For instance, a man who is seen with an attractive woman will be assumed to possess a high mate-value. In study 2, women rated four conditions of photos with men. The men were presented as single, with an attractive, average, or unattractive woman. We hypothesize that women will rate men as possessing higher desirability as a long term and a short term mate when accompanied by an attractive woman.
