Self-Perceived Physical Attractiveness and Moral Intuitions as Mediators Between Somatic-Parental Effort and Mating Orientation.

ABSTRACT: Research suggests that physical attractiveness may be associated with more permissive moral norms, which can in turn lead to the adoption of a more liberal sexual strategy. However, different predictions arise from evolutionary Life History Theory and Moral Foundations Theory. We hypothesized that self-reported physical attractiveness and moral intuitions (innate morality) mediate the relationship between somatic-parental effort (SPE) and sociosexual desire - an indicator of mating orientation. The study involved 326 women aged 19-33 years. A sequential mediation analysis was conducted. As hypothesized, higher levels of SPE were associated with higher self-reported physical attractiveness. It was also shown that self-perceived physical attractiveness was a positive indicator of innate mora

SUBMITTER: Lukasik A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12290270 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul-Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature