Summary
A new study published in the journal PLOS Biology found that women generally consider men with larger penises more attractive. The study involved over 600 men and 200 women who rated computer-generated male figures on sexual attractiveness and intimidation.
Key Facts
- The study was conducted by evolutionary biologist Upama Aich and an international team from the University of Western Australia.
- Women rated taller men with larger shoulder-to-hip ratios and bigger penises as more attractive.
- Men considered figures with larger penises, taller height, and more muscle as more threatening in terms of competition.
- Participants viewed either life-sized images in person or scaled images online.
- The study suggested a larger penis might signal higher testosterone or better health, traits attractive to females.
- Beyond a certain size, increases in physical traits showed diminishing returns in attractiveness.
- Men overestimated the importance of these traits in attracting women, seeing them as a greater sexual threat.
- The researchers proposed that the penis serves as a sexual ornament, not just for reproductive purposes.
