Individual's Reproductive Strategies Moderates the Association Between Facial Width-to-Height and Risk-Taking Propensity

• Published in: Evolutionary psychology Vol. 20; no. 3; p. 14747049221096758
• Main Authors: Cavalcante, Fabiane de Barros Figueirêdo, Nepomuceno, Marcelo Vinhal, Arruda Gomes, Danielle Miranda de Oliveira, Câmara, Samuel Façanha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.07.2022; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Animal reproduction; Original; risk-taking propensity; reproductive strategies; pubertal testosterone; fWHR
• ISSN: 1474-7049; 1474-7049
• DOI: 10.1177/14747049221096758

Previous research has yielded mixed findings on the relationship between facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR), an androgen-dependent feature, and risk-taking propensity. We argue that mixed findings might result from overlooked variables. Given that risk-taking propensity might be ultimately linked to a search for mating opportunities, we analyze if reproductive strategies moderate the relationship between fWHR and risk-taking propensity. Our results, obtained from a sample of 434 male participants, show a positive association between fWHR and recreational and social risk-taking only for men who are more motivated to focus on mating effort over offspring survival. This finding aligns with research arguing that risk-taking may be a mating strategy since being social and recreational risk-prone might illustrate physical and psychological qualities and improve one's ability to attract mates. Our results support the notion that risk-taking might be a domain-specific construct. Overall, our research is in line with recent findings suggesting that the impact of testosterone exposure on risk-taking propensity is best understood when considering the role of contextual variables. Consequently, we add to previous research that studies related to risk-taking propensity should account for reproductive strategies.