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Scientists have proved what men have known for years--being around attractive women is good for a man’s health, particularly Gen Y men, according to a study published in biological sciences journal, the "Proceedings of the Royal Society B."
Researchers at the University of California recruited 149 male students between 18 and 24 to participate in a study. The men talked with female undergraduates between 18 and 22 for five minute intervals. After talking with the women, who were rated by the participants an average of 5.83 on a scale of 1 to 7 of attractiveness, saliva samples were taken from the participants.
The study found that testosterone and cortisol (two hormones long associated with alertness and well-being) levels in the saliva were boosted after talking to pretty girls. Testosterone levels rose 14 percent and cortisol 48 percent. Alternatively, spending the same amount of time with a man saw a 2 and 7 percent drop in the hormones respectively.
So what does this mean for men?
Guys, it is absolutely beneficial to your health to surround yourself with pretty girls. (You probably already knew and noticed that), but it also suggests after a stressful day at work or school, it might behoove you to spend time with your attractive lady friends rather than kick back with the guys, drink a few beers and watch the game.
A few examples:
- Even if your idea of fun is not watching “Dancing with the Stars” or running errands, if you’re with a pretty girl, you’ll wind up feeling more alive and vital.
- Feeling overwhelmed at work? Take a break, walk over and shoot the breeze with the attractive girl in the cubicle around the corner. You should feel calmer within five minutes (cortisol is considered an anti-stress hormone).
- Feeling a little down, maybe not feeling your “game?” Just hang out with an attractive friend (not even one you are necessarily drawn to dating) and you soon should feel more alert and confident.
What this doesn’t mean? (Because, yes, I know how you men tend to think):
This doesn’t mean more is better. If one beautiful woman (translation one girlfriend, one partner, etc.) makes you feel good, multiple will make you feel BETTER, right? WRONG! The study didn’t compare time spent with more than one attractive woman, but no study is needed to tell you the results of that experiment.
You’ll undoubtedly have at least one less attractive woman eager to spend time with you and consequently make you feel better.
For more info: To read more details about the study, check out this article, "Meeting pretty women makes men feel good" in the UK's Telegraph, passed along from reader Billy. (Thanks, Billy ... great find!)
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Comments
11.17.09
I wonder if it works the other way. Does talking to an attractive man make you feel better, as a woman?
11.17.09
Good question Mehnaz, I'm curious too.
Sharalyn, this is a great study to feature. It makes sense. I'm sure some people might be a bit riled up about it, but it's always interesting to highlight this information.
11.17.09
I do believe that charming men who compliment women a lot are quite good for their health too. I could be wrong, but if I don't have flowers or chocolate, I always know what to do.
11.18.09
So what about the women who aren't considered conventionally pretty, but have lots of intelligence, spirit, and personality? Wouldn't that enhance a man's health, especially if one of these women takes a genuine interest in them?
11.18.09
What an interesting study...I'm always awed by the power science has over the behaviors that we THINK we are so in control of.
I would, however, have to echo (in a way) JRandom's question. I tried going in to the study to discover *how* the men were asked to rate the women's attractiveness. Was it just a blanket "Are they attractive?" Were they asked before based purely on appearance or afterwards once they had gotten the chance to spend some time with them.
For example I know I'm cute. Adorable actually. But I wouldn't necessarily ping off the chart in conventional beauty. I'm fine with that...I'd rather have people find ME attractive than my hair/face/body. In the end, my adorableness PLUS my "intelligence, spirit and personality" make me a pretty smokin' hot babe. :P
But you have to spend time with someone to see those things. Maybe THAT is literally what is making these boys drool?
11.18.09
Maybe it's me, but the underlying message of this so-called "scientific" study is that women who aren't conventionally pretty are losers. Talk about shallow, lazy, superficial dataless drivel and total crap!
My wife isn't conventionally pretty, being taller, heftier and almost as well muscled as anyone the San Diego Chargers start in their defensive backfield. Yet, she is the most extraordinary woman I've known, and has made a huge difference in my health, outlook, and drive. But no one would know it, if they only went by surface appearences.
This "study" seems to be shallower than a inch of water in a leaking tub.
"Beauty fades. Dumb is forever"
Judge Judy
11.19.09
Wow...lots of good stuff.
@Elisa: I tried to look into more details about the study too, but everyone knows all these studies are set to try and prove something specific, they just throw in a control group of some sort to make it more legitimate. I'm with you that most women would rather be attractive because of who they are, not just what they look like. (And you ARE completely adorable...everyone agrees!)
@JRandom42 You bring up some very good points. Yes, this is a little bit shallow, but take it with a grain of salt. Here's the thing. Your wife is not a conventional beauty, but you find her beautiful, right? Well, really what more matters than that? I firmly believe in the old adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With the exception of some major celebrities, most guys wouldn't categorically agree on the relative hotness of one particular girl. The AVERAGE rating was a 5.83, so obviously not all 149 guys that all of the girls were totally attractive. The point is when a guy individually found the girl attractive to certain extent, then his individual levels of testosterone and cortisol increased. It's not saying that the only thing that matters is outward appearance (Judge Judy is completely right btw) it's just illustrating that an initial attraction has a positive effect.
And, thank you to JR, Grace and Mehnaz. I just thought this was interesting. I appreciate everyone's contributions for sure though!
P.S. I'm going to transfer comments to the Examiner page too...hope that's ok. And I think a follow up is coming to this story for sure.
12.21.09
I agree with Random! The thing that makes you feel better time and time again is not necessarily the attractive people that you are around, but the people that make you feel good about yourself. The attractive girl around the corner could make you feel like a loser instead of raising your so called "LEVELS"! Surround yourself with people that love you and you will be healthier, happier and should "be up to your game, time and time again".
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