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Female waist-to-hip and male waist-to-shoulder ratios as determinants of romantic partner desirability

Portland State University

Angela Bryan

University of Colorado at Boulder

This study examines the effects of body shape (women's waist-to-hip ratio and men's waist-to-shoulder ratio) on desirability of a potential romantic partner. In judging desirability, we expected male participants to place more emphasis on female body shape, whereas females would focus more on personality characteristics. Further, we expected that relationship type would moderate the extent to which physical characteristics were valued over personality. Specifically, physical characteristics were expected to be most valued in short-term sexual encounters when compared with long-term relationships. Two hundred and thirty-nine participants (134 females, 105 males; 86% Caucasian) rated the desirability of an opposite-sex target for a date, a one-time sexual encounter, and a serious relationship. All key hypotheses were supported by the data.

Key Words: agreeableness • desirability • physical attractiveness • personality • romantic partner • waist-to-hip ratio • waist-to-shoulder ratio

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 23, No. 5, 805-819 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407506068264


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