Self-perceived attractiveness influences human female preferences for sexual dimorphism and symmetry in male faces

TLDR

Exaggerated sexual dimorphism and symmetry in human faces have been linked to potential “good‑gene” benefits and influence male face attractiveness. The study aims to examine how female self‑rated attractiveness affects preferences for male facial masculinity and symmetry. Using computer‑generated face manipulations, the authors assessed female preferences across varying levels of self‑perceived attractiveness. Women who consider themselves attractive show a stronger preference for masculine and symmetrical male faces, whereas women of lower perceived attractiveness do not favor these good‑gene markers, suggesting a condition‑dependent mating strategy.

Abstract

Exaggerated sexual dimorphism and symmetry in human faces have both been linked to potential 'good–gene' benefits and have also been found to influence the attractiveness of male faces. The current study explores how female self–rated attractiveness influences male face preference in females using faces manipulated with computer graphics. The study demonstrates that there is a relatively increased preference for masculinity and an increased preference for symmetry for women who regard themselves as attractive. This finding may reflect a condition–dependent mating strategy analogous to behaviours found in other species. The absence of a preference for proposed markers of good genes may be adaptive in women of low mate value to avoid the costs of decreased parental investment from the owners of such characteristics.