THE PERCEIVED ATTRACTIVENESS OF SEXUAL DIMORPHIC FEATURES IN MALE FACES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN OF A WOMAN

Abstract

According to evolutionary psychology, the presence of masculine sexual dimorphic traits is an indicator of the hidden qualities of the organism. On the other hand, it is also characteristic of men with low levels of warmth, honesty, and a reluctance to invest in offspring. As female reproductive goals vary across a woman’s lifespan, changing from finding the best donor of “good genes” to a commitment to a “selfless caregiver”, it is probable that the attractiveness of masculine/feminine facial features in male faces changes across a lifespan. The results of the study indicate that the degree of preference for masculine male faces increases from their teens, reaches a maximum during the period of reproduction before marriage and decreases in older age, with a statistically significant decrease in the postmenopausal period.