Tattooed man: Could menstrual cycle phase and contraceptive use change female preferences towards bad boys?. (15th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miłkowska, Karolina; Ziomkiewicz, Anna; Galbarczyk, Andrzej
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 121(2018)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2018-01-15
• Subjects: Tattoo -- Mate choice -- Handicap hypothesis -- Sex hormones -- Immunocompetence; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.09.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Studies have reported that tattooing may increase women's ratings of masculinity and dominance of men. Simultaneously, women's preferences for men's masculinity may alter due to the hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycle phase and use of hormonal oral contraceptives (OC). Here we present the results of the first study exploring whether women's perceptions of tattooed men may be influenced by female reproductive state. Pictures of men with and without a tattoo were rated in seven categories by 2437 females divided into groups (1) in fertile and non-fertile cycle phase and (2) using and not using oral hormonal contraceptives. We failed to demonstrate any significant effect of fertility status of a woman on her assessment of tattooed men in any category (attractiveness, health, masculinization, dominance, aggressiveness, potential of being a good father and a good partner). Highlights: Tattoos change female perceptions of males. Potential fertility of a woman may not affect preference toward a tattoo in men. Evolutionary-oriented sexual selection mechanisms may not have strong, significant impact on women's preference for tattoos.