Assessment of Female Perceptions of Male Attractiveness Based on Age and Masculine Body Traits: A Study among Female Students at Federal University Dutse

Studies on sexual mate preferences have been extensively researched across a wide range of cultures and countries. A great deal of empirical research has focused on the significance of specific phenotypic features in females as predictors of successful mating with males. Studies about preferences have concentrated on the body shapes and other physical attributes that men find attractive in women; however, women's choice has received comparatively less attention. The purpose of this study is to assess whether masculine body characteristics influence female attractiveness perception. 400 female students selected from the 4 faculties of Federal University Dutse were recruited in the study. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and stratified random sampling was used to select samples. Data was collected from the participants via administration of a self-structured questionnaire containing sections of socio-demographic information, body stature and hirsuteness preference, facial attractiveness, body complexion and age preferences. Results were presented using descriptive statistics expressed in frequency and percentages. The mesomorph body type has the highest frequency score compared to the ectomorph and endomorph. Also, the study revealed a high prevalence of choice in healthy, strong and bigger chest body type with fair skin complexion and hairy body. Facial attractiveness as an index of attraction revealed a high preference for diamond face shape with a full beard, and the majority of the participants prefer partners 10cm taller relative to their mate’s shoulder. The findings highlight the psychology of sexual perception among female individuals on what they perceive attractive in males.