A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior has revealed a surprising connection between upper body strength and mating success in both men and women. The research, conducted by scientists at Washington State University, analyzed data from 4,316 U.S. adults and found that individuals with greater upper body strength reported more lifetime sexual partners.
Traditionally, such research has focused on male sexual behavior, but this study included women and discovered that stronger individuals of both sexes had higher mating success rates. According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Caroline Smith, “people have assumptions about men’s sexual behavior and how it’s related to evolution,” but the findings challenge these conventional views.
The study examined two prominent theories explaining human sexual dimorphism: the sexual selection hypothesis and the provisioning hypothesis. The former suggests that male physical strength is advantageous for competing for mates, while the latter proposes that stronger males who can gather resources are better partners and providers.
However, the research found that both men and women with greater upper body strength had more lifetime sexual partners, diverging from predictions of the sexual selection hypothesis. On the other hand, men with higher grip strength were more likely to be in long-term relationships, aligning with the provisioning hypothesis.
The study’s results highlight a need for further research on human sexual behavior, particularly when it comes to women’s evolutionary traits. The connection between upper body strength and mating success in women remains unclear, but researchers speculate that assortative mating or differences in male investment may play a role.
Future studies could explore these dynamics and investigate other factors influencing the relationship between strength and reproductive success. As Dr. Smith notes, “it’s essential to continually test our theories, especially by expanding our research questions to include women.”
Source: https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/upper-body-strength-linked-to-mating-success-in-both-genders-394981