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Psychologists have found that women who are taking the pill
tend to fancy macho types with strong jaw lines and
prominent
cheekbones.
However, women who are not taking that form of contraception
seem to be more likely to go for more sensitive types without
traditionally masculine features. The researchers, from St
Andrews and Stirling Universities, believe it may even be
possible that taking the pill encourages women to have relationships
with inappropriate men.
They presented women with images of different types of men,
and asked them to pick out potential long-term partners.
They found those taking the pill were more likely to choose
macho men, and to rate men with more feminine, softer physical
features as a turn off.
However, the researchers say it is these men who tend to be
more sensitive, and more likely to making trustworthy and
faithful husbands.
They proved more popular among women not taking the pill who
took part in the study.
Blocked ovulation
The researchers believe that the key may be the fact the taking
the pill blocks the natural process of ovulation.
As women who take the pill cannot become pregnant, they are
sub-consciously attracted to sexy, macho men, rather than
to men who are most likely to make a sensible long-term mate.
Lead researcher Tony Little said: "Where a woman chooses
her partner while she is on the pill, and then comes off it
to have a child, she may find she is married to the wrong
man."
The study found women on the pill appeared to make equally
inappropriate choices when picking a man for a fling.
They were more likely to choose a "caring" man with
feminine features.
Conversely, those not on the pill were more likely to choose
a macho male for a fling.
Testosterone link
Dr Nick Neave, an evolutionary psychologist at Northumbria
University, has also conducted research which shows that taking
the pill has an effect on women's sexuality.
In this case, women who took the pill were less likely to
be influenced by male scents called pheromones.
Dr Neave said nobody knew exactly how taking the pill influenced
sexuality.
However, he said: "The pill dampens down all the hormonal
changes that take place during a normal menstrual cycle, and
this may have an effect."
Strong features such as a prominent jaw line and brow are
thought to be linked macho personality traits because they
indicate high levels of the male sex hormone testosterone.
Testosterone helps to build up these particular bones during
puberty.
In animal studies higher testosterone levels have been shown
to be linked to aggression and dominance.
BBC
NEWS, Monday, 20 January, 2003 |
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