What are the physical characteristics males and females find attractive in a mate? : a quantitative study on University of Malta students

Abstract

Research has shown that males have a preference for features of youth, physical health and beauty. These cues are smooth skin, lustrous hair, full lips, full breasts, low waist to hip ratio and symmetry (Symons,1979). Buss (1986) states that although physical attractiveness is not as important to females they still look for height and broad shoulders, cues of power and status. The main goal of this study was to find out what are the main physical characteristics that males and females find attractive in their future mates and aim to understand these preferences through an evolutionary perspective. The research conducted on 173 University of Malta students was able to confirm most hypotheses made through the existing research. Many gender differences were also noted. Results showed a preference in females for height and symmetry in a mate. Males were more concerned with factors of physical beauty.