Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Sexual attraction'
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Protti, Tracy Anna. "Effects of Pheromones and Sexual Orientation on Sexual Attraction in Females." Thesis, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10003750.
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This study examined the effect of sweat exposure on sexual attraction in heterosexual and homosexual women. Strictly heterosexual and homosexual female participants were exposed to underarm pads containing sweat. Samples were collected during the Stimulus Preparation Phase from healthy, strictly heterosexual men and women. Women’s samples were collected on Day-14 and Day-27 of cycle, and men’s from any two days.
In the Stimulus Exposure Phase, the male sweat and Day-14 female sweat samples were the experimental conditions, and the no male sweat and Day-27 female sweat were the controls. During the exposure phase, sweat samples were hidden and participants completed two computer tasks. First, the key-press task had participants view or skip male and female photographs. Second, the rating-task had participants rate attractiveness of the male and female photographs. The ratings and viewing times were collected then analyzed.
Heterosexual women showed a strong preference for male photos over female photos only when exposed to male sweat. They also preferred female photos less than homosexual women when exposed to male sweat or Day-14 female sweat. Homosexual women showed a strong preference for female photos over male photos when exposed to male or female Day-14 sweat.
Homosexual women also preferred female photos more than heterosexual women when exposed to male sweat or Day-14 female sweat.
The findings of this study suggest that exposure to male sweat may enhance heterosexual women’s preference for men and exposure to female sweat from the ovulatory period of the menstrual cycle may inhibit the preference for women of heterosexual women. However, exposure to male sweat and female sweat from the ovulatory period may enhance the preference for women in homosexual women.
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Yule, Morag Allison. "Asexuality : investigations into a lack of sexual attraction." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/58647.
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Human asexuality is generally defined as a lack of sexual attraction. Various theories have been proposed to explain how asexuality should best be conceptualized, including that asexuality should be classified as a sexual orientation, that it is due to a mental health difficulty, that it is an extreme variant of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), or that some asexual individuals actually experience a paraphilia of some kind. This dissertation employed a series of Internet-based research studies to investigate these three topics: an examination into mental health correlates of asexuality, a comparison of asexual individuals with individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for HSDD, and an investigation into patterns of sexual fantasy among asexual individuals. By investigating these topics, I sought to test whether asexuality might be a psychopathology, sexual dysfunction, or a paraphilia, with the ultimate goal of testing my hypothesis that asexuality is, in fact, a unique sexual orientation.
My findings suggested that asexuality may be associated with higher prevalence of mental health and interpersonal problems, including anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, psychoticism, and suicidality, but that it is not, itself, a mental disorder. I concluded that this may be in response to perceived stigma against their sexual orientation, which might lead to psychological symptoms, or that lack of sexual attraction may arise from an underlying difficulty such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Next, I found that asexuality is unique from the well-known sexual dysfunction HSDD. In my test of whether asexuality was a paraphilia, I found that asexual individuals were less likely to masturbate than sexual individuals, and that they were more likely to report never having had a sexual fantasy. Further, there was a large amount of unexpected overlap in the content of sexual fantasies between asexual and sexual participants. Together, these findings suggest that at least some asexual individuals may have a paraphilia.
Overall, this dissertation highlights that no single theory can explain asexuality, and underscores the diversity among the asexual population. This dissertation leads to a number of new hypotheses about the nature of asexuality that will be the focus of future research.Arts, Faculty of
Psychology, Department of
Graduate
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Rees, Micah James. "The Relationship Between Viewing Time and Sexual Attraction Ratings." BYU ScholarsArchive, 2019. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/7575.
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The LOOK is an iPad-based application that measures sexual interest. It does this by recording the amount of time individuals take to view and rate the attractiveness of images of fully clothed people from differing age, gender, and racial demographics. Viewing-time measures, such as the LOOK, operate under the assumption that individuals view sexually attractive images longer than they view images that they deem unattractive or sexually non-preferred. Although there is research to show the efficacy of these kinds of tests, there is a lack of research supporting the assumption that viewing-time correlates strongly with reported ratings of sexual preferences. This study analyzed existing data from the LOOK to assess the nature of this correlation and how it varies across gender groups. The results of this analysis found that a moderately sized correlation did exist between time spent rating the image (Rate-time) and the subsequent rating of sexual attraction (Ratings) in most age and gender categories. However, for both men and women, these correlations were significantly weaker or were negative in target categories (those categories in which they rated the highest amount of sexual attraction). Additionally, cluster analysis indicated two clusters within both the male and female participant groups that had significantly different mean Rate-time, mean Ratings, and correlation coefficients. Given these results, the viewing-time theory that Rate-time is strongly associated with sexual attraction is questionable. A greater understanding of what viewing-time measures truly assess will require additional research.
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McLaughlin, Sarah J. "Nurse Practitioners' Discussion Of Sexual Identity, Attraction And Behavior." ScholarWorks @ UVM, 2016. http://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/443.
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ABSTRACT
Background: Sexual orientation is comprised of distinct components, including sexual identity, sexual attraction and sexual behavior. Lesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents are at an increased risk of experiencing poor health outcomes compared to non-sexual minority youth. Health care professional organizations recommend that health care providers discuss each component of sexual orientation at every adolescent health supervision visits in order to best assess the adolescent's health risks and needs for intervention and education.
Objective: This survey assessed the frequency with which nurse practitioners (NPs) in the state of Vermont discussed sexual identity, attraction and behavior with adolescents during annual health supervision visits.
Design: A cross sectional study that analyzed descriptive statistics of a small convenience sample of Vermont NPs.
Setting and Participants: Attendees of the Vermont Nurse Practitioner Association 2015 annual conference. Participants in the study were licensed, practicing NPs in the state of Vermont responsible for the health supervision of adolescents.
Results: Participants were overwhelmingly female (93%), with a median age between 40-49 years old, and a median length of years in practice of six to ten years. Sixty-two percent of respondents specialized in family practice. Respondents reported that they always asked adolescents about the sex of sexual partners at 49% of health supervision visits. Respondents always discussed sexual attraction and sexual identity at 31% and 24% of health supervision visits, respectively. Twenty percent of respondents reported rarely or never discussing sexual attraction, and 38% reported rarely or never discussing sexual identity.
Conclusions: The Vermont NPs who participated in this survey were demographically similar to national NP cohorts. Vermont NPs discussed the adolescent's sexual behavior at health supervision visits as frequently as health care providers nationally, and Vermont NPs discussed sexual attraction and sexual identity more frequently than providers nationally. However, Vermont NPs discussed sexual attraction and identity much less frequently than they discussed sexual behavior. Results of this survey illustrate that there is substantial room for improvement regarding the frequency with which Vermont NPs discuss the three components of sexual orientation with adolescents, particularly the components of sexual identity and attraction.
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Mortimer, Claire. "An exploratory study on the perceived prevalence and effect of sexual attraction in the South African workplace." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/29256.
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South African organisations face increasing diversification of the workforce, with the concomitant benefits and potential challenges thereof. Along with the traditional approaches towards the management of diversity, less conventional areas have yet to be explored within the South African context. One such area is that of sexual attraction in the workplace. With the growing need for organisations to become employers of choice, to create organisational competitive advantage and optimally leverage their human capital it is becoming evident that acknowledgment of innate humanity is essential. The question under exploration was to determine what the perceptions surrounding the prevalence and effects of sexual attraction in the South African workplace are. Employees are human beings, human beings are essentially sexual in nature and therefore it can be said that sexuality and all its composite elements are present in and acting upon organisations. The researcher focused exclusively on self-reported perceptions and experiences surrounding this phenomenon in the workplace, including its perceived effects on productivity; communication; job performance; job involvement; job satisfaction, stress; sexual harassment; morale; the individual and the workgroup. In addition the perceived roles of management in regulating sexual attraction as well as potential perceived motives underlying its initiation in organisations were also explored. The research explored and described differences with regards to these areas of organisational life in respect of age groups; gender; marital status; relationship status; experience of sexual attraction; awareness of sexual attraction and workplace rendezvous experiences. A self-administered questionnaire was designed specifically for the study by the researcher and was used to gain feedback from 155 respondents in numerous fields and organisations through a mixed methods sampling technique. Analysis of data was statistical in nature, including detailed descriptive or frequency distributions; correlations and inferential statistics. The research yielded substantial results with regards to perceptions of sexual attraction in the South African workplace, with numerous implications for management and Human Resource practitioners abounding. Sexual attraction in the workplace is perceived to be a prevalent organisational condition amongst respondents with findings revealing that it is viewed as inevitability in the workplace. Personal experience of sexual attraction was alluded to by the majority of respondents. In addition, various organisational factors, such as proximity, similarity and ongoing work requirements were confirmed as having a perceived influence on the prevalence of sexual attraction amongst co-workers. This linked with findings and existing research with regards to aspects of diversity in the workplace, particularly similarity of moral values. In line with the body of literature, elements underlying sexual attraction were divergent, indicating that attraction is individual specific. Younger respondents indicated that they found physical elements of their co-workers attractive, which was less the case for the older respondent group. When evaluating findings on the perceived effects of sexual attraction in the workplace it was evident that respondents felt that sexual attraction had a slight positive effect on productivity. Significant differences were observed between age groups as well as personal experience of sexual attraction on this construct. Interestingly, sexual attraction was perceived to have a positive effect on job involvement by respondents, with differences observed due to age groups and amongst individuals whom had been previously sexually attracted to a colleague and those whom had not. Gender differences were also observed herein, with females having higher perceived positive effects on job involvement. Job satisfaction was perceived to be positively affected by sexual attraction in the workplace by respondents. Significant differences between age groups as well as with regards to marital statuses and relationship statuses were also found with regards to this construct. Mixed perceptions existed around the influence of sexual attraction on the experience of stress, with a respondents age group found to have an influence thereon. In addition thereto, a respondent’s marital status also made a difference in this regard. Generally the findings concurred with the available literature on the topic. Moreover, the general affects of sexual attraction on the individual involved in this workplace dynamic were fairly positively perceived by respondents. This finding was evidenced to be influenced to some extent by respondents’ experience of prior sexual attraction to a colleague; age; relationship status and marital status. The latter was found to have the largest influence in this regard. Sexual attraction was perceived by respondents to have a negative effect on communication and job performance. The perception of the latter was found to be significantly different between individuals whom had been aware of sexual attraction in the workplace and those whom had not indicated that this was the case; as well as with respondents whom reported prior sexual attraction to a colleague having higher perceived positive influences thereof on job performance. Age was also found to be an influential factor on perceptions surrounding job performance. Morale was found to be slightly negatively affected due to sexual attraction according to reported perceptions of respondents. The majority of respondents were inclined to feel that sexual harassment is an important organisational issue, yet the effects of sexual attraction thereupon may not be as negative as one might have thought. Prior sexual attraction to a colleague was found to have an influence on respondent perceptions of sexual harassment, as did the length of marriage for married respondents. Most respondents perceived sexual attraction to have more of a negative effect on the workgroup surrounding the sexually attracted individuals. Influencing variables in this regard were respondent age and marital status. In addition, motives underlying sexual attraction were negatively perceived by respondents. Marital status was found to have an influence on respondent perceptions of sexual attraction motives. Findings revealed that respondents in general felt that management has some form of role to play in the regulation of this workplace dynamic. However, the vast majority of respondents felt that it was the responsibility of the individual employee to manage their own sexual attraction in the workplace. Differences in this perception were found between males and females; age groups as well as the length of marriages of married respondents. The research established that sexual attraction is a prevalent condition in South African organisations. Moreover, substantial effects of sexual attraction were reported on various important areas of organisational functioning. Copyright 2009, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. Please cite as follows: Mortimer, C 2009, An exploratory study on the perceived prevalence and effect of sexual attraction in the South African workplace, MCom dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02162012-103105 / > C12/4/203/gmDissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2009.
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Benjamin, Mary Ellen. "Attraction to sexual aggression and physical affection : an initial investigation." Thesis, McGill University, 1993. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=41184.
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Research has demonstrated that for a significant minority of men, exposure to sexually violent media results in a series of changes. These men are more likely to be sexually aroused by sexually violent stimuli, and also believe in certain rape myths and admit a greater likelihood to sexual aggression. The construct Attraction to Sexual Aggression, which comprises the affective, cognitive and behavioral responses to sexually aggressive media, has been proposed by Malamuth (1989a, 1989b). The Attraction to Sexual Aggression Scale has been developed as a dependent measure of the construct. A study by Malamuth and Check (1983) proposed that lack of pleasurable physically affectionate experiences with women may contribute to sexual aggression. This proposal reflects the theory put forward by Prescott (1977), who hypothesized that lack of physical affection at critical stages of development results in a greater propensity towards aggressive behavior. The current study is an initial investigation into attraction to sexual aggression and physical affection experiences.
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Weller, Christine E. "Sexual Orientation Discrimination| Effects of Microaggressions on Coming Out and Organizational Attraction." Thesis, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10147040.
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Smith, David S. "The sociosexual function of women's episodic memory." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2014. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=210652.
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From an adaptive perspective human memory ought to be strategically attuned towards information deemed to be of value according to nature's criterion; i.e. that which promotes individual survival and reproduction. The experiments in this thesis represent an interdisciplinary venture to merge cognitive psychology with social perception research in order to study how sociosexual pressures may have shaped women's episodic memory systems. A vast literature has validated sexual dimorphism as a cue by which women comparatively judge the value of potential mates in terms of their perceived biological and behavioural characteristics (e.g. heightened sexual dimorphism in men correlates with positive biological attributes but also negative behavioural traits). The first 5 experiments extend this work by focusing on the functional contribution women's episodic memory systems may play in constraining generalisations. Experiments 1 and 2 reveal a mnemonic bias in women's memory for contents of encounters with men who have (attractive) masculinised low vs. (less attractive) feminised high pitch. Experiment 3 finds a similar memory benefit for information associated either with masculinised or feminised men's faces, depending on whether women prefer masculinised or feminised characteristics in men. Data from Experiments 6 and 7 reveal further evidence of sociosexual adaptation in women's episodic memory. Memory appears to be biased towards remembering the location of women with feminised (highly attractive) facial features, i.e. high-value competitors for potential mates. While no sociosexual bias was found in women's location memory for attractive male faces, a sociosexual bias was present in women's location memory for men with attractive, low-pitch voices. Considered along with other recent adaptive memory research, the data in this thesis further erode the idea of episodic memory as a general purpose mechanism.
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Peters, Marianne. "The role of male secondary sexual traits in human mate choice : are they preferred by females and do they signal mate quality ?" University of Western Australia. School of Psychology, 2008. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2008.0201.
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[Truncated abstract]Judgements of physical attractiveness are thought to reflect evolved preferences for a high quality mate. The central aim of this thesis was to investigate the hypothesis that female preferences are adaptations for finding good quality mates and that faces and bodies signal honest information about mate quality. To date, most human mate preference studies have examined face or body attractiveness alone, and many have created stimuli using computer graphic techniques. Throughout these studies, I endeavoured to maximise the biological relevance of my studies by incorporating both face and body attractiveness, and using photographs of individual participants. Most research on attractiveness has focused on faces or bodies separately, while our preferences have evolved based on both seen together. A fundamental requirement of studying face and body attractiveness independently is that there is no interaction between the two. My first study confirmed that the face and body did not interact when an overall attractiveness judgment was made. I also investigated the independent contributions of rated attractiveness of the face and the body to ratings of overall attractiveness. Face and body attractiveness each made significant independent contributions to overall attractiveness in males and females. For both sexes, facial attractiveness predicted overall attractiveness more strongly than did body attractiveness, and this difference was significant in males. ... This study indicates that although current levels of T covary with male mating success, this effect may not be mediated by women's preferences for visual cues to T levels conveyed in static face or body features. The fourth study in this thesis investigated the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis, which proposes that females obtain reliable information on male fertility from male expression of sexual traits. A previous study of Spanish men reported that facial attractiveness was positively associated with semen quality. I aimed to determine whether this effect was widespread by examining a large sample of Australian men. I also extended my study to determine whether cues to semen quality are provided by components of attractiveness: masculinity, averageness, and symmetry. I found no significant correlations between semen quality parameters and attractiveness or attractive traits. While male physical attractiveness may signal aspects of mate quality, my results suggest that phenotype-linked cues to male fertility may not be generalised across human populations. Together, these studies challenge current methodologies and theories of preferences for secondary sexual traits as honest signals of mate quality. The findings show that it is important to study human mate preferences in biologically relevant contexts, for example by using photographs of both faces and bodies, to maximise the real life application of results. In addition, the findings suggest that male attractiveness does not signal cues to testosterone or semen quality, although testosterone is associated with mating success. The implications of these findings and possible avenues for future research are discussed.
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Berg, Mathew Leslie. "Sexual selection and reproductive strategies in songbirds territoriality, mate attraction, parentage and parental care /." [S.l. : [Groningen : s.n.] ; University Library Groningen] [Host], 2007. http://irs.ub.rug.nl/ppn/300721439.
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Little, Anthony Charles. "Sexual selection and the human face : beauty in the face of the beheld and in the eye of the beholder." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/13145.
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Evolutionary theory has been proposed to provide an answer to the question of why some faces are perceived to be more attractive than others are. The first part of this thesis provides an introduction to an evolutionary approach to studying attractiveness (Chapter 1) and reviews sexual selection theory (Chapter 2) and how this theory has been applied to help understand human facial attractiveness (Chapter 3). The thesis focuses particularly on symmetry and secondary sexual characteristics in faces, two of the main factors that relate to attractiveness from an evolutionary perspective as they are both proposed to be associated with genetic benefits to the choosing individual. The empirical work in the first part of the thesis is consistent with both masculinity and symmetry in males reflecting adaptive selection for high quality mates. Facial masculinity was found to be associated with personality attributions that appear consistent with masculinity reflecting testosterone level in males. Masculinity was associated with some negative personality attributions and when controlling for such attributions masculinity in male faces was found to be of increased attractiveness (Chapter 4). Facial symmetry was found to be preferred in opposite-sex faces by both males and females when images were presented upright and less so when the images were inverted (Chapter 5). Symmetry was also found to be preferred in familiar faces and both this preference and preferences differing according orientation are consistent with the notion that symmetry preferences are an adaptation to identify high quality mates. The second part of this thesis presents views on the existence of individual differences in attractiveness judgements that are consistent with evolutionary theory. Evidence is reviewed regarding how individual differences in preference could be more adaptive than a single species wide strategy (Chapter 6). Chapters 7 and 8 present studies showing that preferences for sexual dimorphism and symmetry differ between women in ways that may have been adaptive over evolutionary time. Women who are attractive prefer higher levels of masculinity and symmetry than less attractive women (Chapter 7) and women judging for short-term relationships or women who already have current partners prefer more masculinity in male faces than those judging for long-term relationships or women who do not have a partner (Chapter 8). Chapter 9 again shows that individual differences in mate-choice do exist and can be consistent with evolutionary theory showing that individuals choose partners resembling their opposite-sex parent, a phenomenon that may reflect imprinting-like effects in humans. This thesis presents data that is consistent with the notion that sexual dimorphism and symmetry may advertise quality in human faces (Part 1) and data on several potentially adaptive individual differences in human face preferences (Part 2). Individuals can both agree, on average, on what is attractive and unattractive and yet still demonstrate variation in judgements. In this way beauty can be said to be both in the face of the beheld and in the eye of beholder.
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Zhao, Yue. "The association of sexual identity, attraction, and behavior with suicidal ideation and attempts among adolescents." Thesis, McGill University, 2010. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=95210.
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Sexual orientation is a multi-dimensional construct, including sexual identity, attraction, and behavior. Adopting this multidimensional perspective, this thesis is structured in two manuscripts that investigate adolescent sexual orientation among a community sample of students from 14 high schools in Montréal, Québec. Study I examined sexual orientation and youth suicidality. Study II assessed factors related to concordance versus discordance of sexual identity, attraction and behavior. Students were surveyed anonymously. The survey included items assessing sexual orientation, health risk behaviors, suicidality, demographics, and social attitudes towards homosexuality. Multiple logistic regression models were used in both studies. Study I found that compared to youth with heterosexual identity, attraction and behavior, adolescents with GLB and unsure identities were at greater risk of suicidality. However, youth who reported same-sex attraction or behavior, but a heterosexual identity, were not at elevated risk. Study II found that compared with heterosexual-identified students, students with GLB identities were more likely to be older and to report that school homosexual attitudes were ridiculed, accepted, or appreciated versus tolerated or ignored. Overall, results highlighted the potential importance of social environment in sexual minority youth mental health outcomes and identity development.L'orientation sexuelle est une construction mentale multidimensionnelle qui inclut l'identité sexuelle, l'attirance physique et le comportement sexuel. Cette thèse adopte la perspective multidimensionnelle et étudie l'orientation sexuelle chez un échantillon d'étudiants adolescents dans 14 écoles secondaires à Montréal, Québec. La thèse est divisée en deux manuscrits. La première étude examine l'orientation sexuelle et la suicidalité chez les jeunes. La deuxième étude examine les facteurs reliés à la concordance ou discordance de l'identité sexuelle, l'attirance physique et le comportement sexuel. Des étudiants étaient interrogés anonymement. Le questionnaire incluait des points qui évaluaient l'orientation sexuelle, les comportements de santé à risques, la suicidalité, les données démographiques et les attitudes sociales envers l'homosexualité. Les deux études ont utilisé des modèles de régression logistiques multiples. La première étude a trouvé que les jeunes avec une identité Gay-lesbienne-bisexuel(le)s (GLB) et « incertaines » étaient plus à risque pour la suicidalité comparer aux jeunes avec une identité, une attirance et un comportement hétérosexuel. Cependant, les jeunes qui ont mentionné avoir des attirances physiques ou des comportements sexuels avec le même sexe mais une identité hétérosexuelles n'étaient pas plus à risque. La deuxième étude a trouvé que, comparé aux étudiants avec une identité hétérosexuelle, les étudiants avec une identité GLB étaient plus vieux et plus porté à mentionné que l'attitude de leur école envers l'homosexualité était ridiculisé, accepté, ou apprécié au lieu de toléré ou ignoré. En tout, les résultats soulignent l'importance de l'environnement sociale pour la santé mentale et le développement de l'identité sexuelle chez les jeunes minorités sexuelles.
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Puhl, Kristin Lemm Kristi. "The eroticization of lesbianism by heterosexual men /." Online version, 2010. http://content.wwu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/theses&CISOPTR=358&CISOBOX=1&REC=11.
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Armstrong, Heather L. "Sexual Attitudes and Motivations in Same-Sex and Mixed-Sex Relationships." Thèse, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/30563.
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People engage in sex for a wide variety of reasons and these reasons can differ depending on the individual, his or her partner, and on the context of the sexual encounter. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine how sexual attraction and sexual orientation, of both self and partner, affect an individual’s reasons to engage in sex, or sexual motivation. Three studies were conducted to explore these effects from both the individual’s and the partner’s perspective. In Study 1, individual attitudes toward having casual sex, dating, and being in a committed relationship with a bisexual partner of the other gender were examined in a sample of 720 men and women. Participants reported negative attitudes toward having these relationships and more negative attitudes were reported as the commitment level of the considered relationship increased. Women also reported more negative attitudes and greater insecurity toward relationships than men. In Study 2, the psychometric properties of a comprehensive research tool, the Why Have Sex? (YSEX?) questionnaire to use in Study 3 for the study of sexual motivation were evaluated in a sample of 146 women with same-sex attraction. Overall, the reliability of this scale was excellent for casual sex motivations and motivations for sex in committed relationships with female partners. In Study 3, motivations for sex and the effects of relationship context, sexual attraction, and the gender of one’s partner were explored in a sample of 510 women including women with same-sex attraction and women with exclusively heterosexual attraction. Results of this study showed that relationship context had the largest effect on sexual motivation; physical motivations were more strongly endorsed for casual sex while emotional motivations were more strongly endorsed for sex in committed relationships. No effect of sexual attraction was reported. Further, no effect of gender of partner was reported by sexual minority women. The results of this dissertation have important implications for the study of sexual motivation, specifically as it relates to sexual attraction and orientation. Motivations for sex are likely to be affected by an individual’s attitudes and perceptions of his or her partner’s sexual orientation and associated stereotypes. In addition, the type of sexual relationship and associated level of commitment had strong, differential effects on sexual motivation. This is a novel finding as the context of the sexual relationship has not previously been considered with respect to individual motivations for sex. Henceforth, studies on sexual motivation need to be more contextualized and include more comprehensive assessments of individuals to increase the validity of findings and demonstrate the complex variation of human sexual motivation.
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Steffen, John Edward Hill Geoffrey E. "Carotenoid-based dewlap color as a visual signal in social communication of brown anoles (Norops sagrei)." Auburn, Ala., 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10415/1330.
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Wojtczak, Renata Paulina. "Persuasiveness of sex: a comparison between generation-Y in China and Poland in Langerian act-based terms." HKBU Institutional Repository, 2014. https://repository.hkbu.edu.hk/etd_oa/67.
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This study applies the act paradigm to identify, explain, and compare persuasiveness of sex among generation-Y in China and generation-Y in Poland, to provide insights for communication practitioners, and to enhance future scientific research. In the conceptual part of the thesis, persuasion, sex, and culture were reconceptualized under the act paradigm. Sex was defined as a form of interpersonal involvement. It was measured in reference to its four stages: attraction, courtship, arousal, and allegiance. Culture was defined as a form of group involvement. It was measured in reference to the country’s ideology (parents and teachers) and religion. Persuasion was defined as a form of communication aiming at involvement. It was measured in reference to sex ideas at generation-Y and culture levels. The ideas were examined and selected as persuasive based on their strength and pressive relations with other ideas. For the purpose of collecting data, a structured interviewing protocol was designed and pilot-tested. Analytical methodology using in-depth interviews was conducted. Thirty-four generation-Y males and females, 17 from China, 17 from Poland, were interviewed during November and December 2013. In addition to culture, intimacy was also found to shape individuals’ sexual conduct. This new finding required further extension of the conceptual framework. Along with it, intimacy was defined as a form of conceptual involvement between two people that primarily occurred through verbal disclosure. Sex was further defined as a form of biological involvement between two people that primarily occurred through interactional touch. It was found that in China, ideology (parents and teachers) primarily shaped sexual conduct of young people. In Poland, the role was in the hands of religion (the Roman Catholic Church). In both countries, ideas about sex and intimacy were expressed through the same actions and artifacts; intimacy dominated over sex, which was attributed to cultural influence. While intimacy was stronger in China than in Poland, sex was stronger in Poland than in China. Conflict between the Church and generation-Y was identified in Poland. The only issues identified in China were the results of past tensions. The dissertation introduced and applied a new paradigm for social sciences— Langerian act-theory. In addition, the study initiated the building of previously nonexistent knowledge of Poland, and enriched the already growing knowledge of China. As a result, the application of its findings was provided for various communicators and academic disciplines. Keywords: Persuasion, sex, sex appeal, intimacy, culture, religion, ideology, China, Poland, generation-Y, Langer, act theory, act paradigm
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Sweetman, Miranda K. "The Effects Of Concordance and Discordance in Sexual Orientation and Romantic Attraction on Young Adults' Self-Esteem." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1563461848369691.
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Prince, Rafiah. "Sexual Attraction in the Therapy Room: An Exploration of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists’ Experiences and Training." NSUWorks, 2016. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dft_etd/13.
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The client-therapist relationship is an essential part of therapy and is central in helping clients achieve therapeutic goals as the joining process facilitates the change process. However, in an effort to create a space for change, there is a possibility that professional boundaries may become blurred wherein a client may express a sexual attraction toward their therapist. To explore this phenomenon, the researcher employed convergent parallel mixed method design to explore the experiences of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) who have experienced sexual attraction from their clients. The study was conducted online through a secure forum. Implications for clients, therapists, and the field of marriage and family therapy are discussed. The research suggests that education and training are critical in assisting therapists when dealing with sexual attraction issues.
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Byrd, Rebekah, Emily Donald, and Rebecca Milner. "Boundary Violations and Counselor Liability Risk: Helping Supervisors and Counselors Attend to Sexual Attraction Issues in Counseling." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2019. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2971.
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The ACA Code of Ethics is clear in that sexual/romantic relationships with current clients, clients’ partners, and/or family member are prohibited (A.5.a). However, the most recent liability claims against counselors involve inappropriate sexual/romantic relationships with clients or partners/family members of clients. Join us to discuss clinical and supervision implications.
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Cornwell, Robin Elisabeth. "Sexual dimorphism in faces across development through early adulthood : perceptions, attributions and stability." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/13143.
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In this thesis, I use a Darwinian approach to explore the role of sexual-dimorphism in human behaviour across development and into early adulthood, and its impact on adult mating-strategies. In Studies 1-2, I explore the importance of heredity and developmental stability of facial characteristics in light of theories of sexual selection. Using family photos, judgements of faces of parents and offspring revealed that facial sexual-dimorphism is passed on from father to son and mother to daughter, while inheritance of attractiveness is apparent only in daughters. I also examine the stability of facial appearance across development (infancy, childhood, young-adult), and find that sexual-dimorphism remains stable for both sexes, while attractiveness is stable only in females. Feminine characteristics are perceived as attractive in infant faces, and feminine characteristics have been perceived as looking more neotenous. In light of these data, I develop a theory for increased preferences for neoteny in human infants (Chapter 4). In studies 3-4, I examine the developmental milestones, puberty and first sexual intercourse in relationship to adult mate-choice strategies. Women who experience first coitus early prefer increased facial-masculinity in potential mates. In men, both early coitus and early puberty relate to increased preferences for facial-femininity in potential mates. In study 5, I look at attributions of peri-pubertal children (aged 11-12 years) to peer faces manipulated on sexually-dimorphic features. Children's attractiveness judgements show evidence of adult-like preferences, with boys preferring feminine girls' faces and girls preferring feminised boys' faces. Both girls and boys attribute the negative stereotype of bullying to more masculinised boys' faces. Study 6 concerns the relationship between two modalities of sexual-dimorphism, pheromones and facial characteristics. Adults indicate preferences from a continuum of sexually-dimorphic face-shapes, in addition to rating sex-specific pheromones on pleasantness. Individuals who prefer sex-typical facial characteristics in opposite-sex faces also judged the sex-typical pheromone as more pleasant.
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Palmateer, Tess M. "Sexual Attraction, Behaviors, and Boundary Crossing between Sport Psychology Professionals and Their Athlete-Clients: Prevalence, Attitudes, and Supervision." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2020. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1703317/.
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Sport psychology professionals (SPPs), like psychologists in general, may cross therapeutic boundaries (e.g., hug a client) and even become sexually attracted to their athlete-clients (ACs). I examined the prevalence of these issues, as well as SPPs' ethical training and use of supervision in relation to them. Participants were 181 SPPs; 92 (50.8%) reported being sexually attracted to one or more of their ACs. In regards to specific behaviors, approximately half (49.4%) reported discussing personal matters unrelated to their (n = 87), whereas far fewer had engaged in sexual behaviors with their ACs, such as discussing sexual matters unrelated to their work (n = 4), and caressing or intimately touching an AC (n = 1). No SPP reported kissing, dating, having sexual intercourse, or engaging in other sexual activities with their ACs. The three most common nonsexual boundary crossings were (a) consulting with an AC in public places (e.g., hotel lobby or practice field; 87.8%), (b) working with an AC at practice (86.2%), (c) working with an AC at a competition (75.0%). Interestingly, few SPPs sought supervision/consultation regarding the attraction, though 83.7% said they would do so if they were attracted in the future. I also examined differences across gender, mental health licensure, and years since graduation in relation to the outcome. Sexual attractions appear to exist between SPPs and their AC and should be discussed during training to normalize the experience and increase the likelihood of them discussing such attractions when they occur. Further, self-reflection and supervision are recommended approaches to managing such feelings and to minimize the chances of harming ACs.
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Starks, Tyrel J. "Psychometric analysis of the Attraction/Intimacy Assessment Inventory : outlining the construct of sexual orientation and assessing its components /." Available to subscribers only, 2009. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1895040751&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=1509&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2009."Department of Psychology." Keywords: Sexual orientation, Sexual behavior, Sexual attraction, Sexual identity, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Bisexual mental health, Assessment, Attraction/Intimacy Assessment Inventory Includes bibliographical references (p.148-157). Also available online.
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Greenfield, Shannon. "The relationship between eating pathology and sexual functioning in females : the role of body image dissatisfaction /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1998. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9924884.
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Stirrat, Michael. "Sexual selection and trust games." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/1014.
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In economic games the facial attributes of counterparts bias decisions to trust and decisions to enter play. We report research supporting hypotheses that trust and reciprocation decisions in trust games are biased by mechanisms of sexual selection. Hypotheses that trust game behaviour is modulated by inter-sexual competition were supported. 1) Attractive individuals elicit more cooperation. 2) Male participants display trust and reciprocation toward attractive female counterparts in excess of perceived trustworthiness (and this display is modulated by male self-reported physical dominance). 3) Female participants appear to respond to male trust as a signal of sexual interest and are therefore more likely to exploit the trust of attractive males. 4) In explicitly dating contexts females are more likely to prefer attractive males to pay for the meal. These results indicate that participants are biased by mate choice and mating display considerations while playing economic games in the lab. Hypotheses that trust game behaviour is modulated by intra-sexual competition for resources were also somewhat supported. 1) Male participants reporting an ability to win fights with same-sex peers are more exploitative of other males. 2) Cues to current circulating testosterone level in counterpart’s faces are less trusted but elicit more reciprocation. 3) The male sexually dimorphic trait facial width-to-height ratio (a trait which is related to both aggression and dominance) is related to an increased proportion of decisions to exploit others in the trust game while also being used by others as a cue to untrustworthiness. We conclude that trusting and trustworthy behaviour in both sexes is biased by mating market considerations predicted by intra- and inter-sexual selection.
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Feinberg, David R. "Vocal attractiveness." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/14253.
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In this thesis, I aimed to explore vocal attractiveness from an evolutionary perspective: how listener's preferences for vocal qualities of potential partners could increase mating success and reproductive success. Chapters 1-4 outline the background to the thesis, reviews acoustics, sexual selection theory, and human mate-choice. In chapter 5, I correlated attributions made to voices to the acoustic properties of the voices. In men's voices, pitch negatively predicted vocal attractiveness. Attributions of masculinity, size, age, health and vocal attractiveness were all positively correlated. In women's voices, pitch, formant dispersion and perceived health positively predicted vocal attractiveness. Masculinity, size and age negatively predicted vocal attractiveness. In chapter 6, I measured the effect of manipulating fundamental and/or formant frequencies (apparent vocal-tract length) on vocal attributions. Women found men's voices with lowered voice pitch and decreased formant dispersion more attractive, masculine, large, older and healthier. Women's size predicted preference for male vocal- tract length. In chapter 7, I explored attitudes to voices speaking vowels and whole sentences using a correlation design and acoustic manipulations. Women's self-rated attractiveness positively predicted vocal masculinity preferences. Most of the remaining studies focus on how hormones relate to vocal production and perception. Women with less oestrogen showed the biggest menstrual cycle shifts in vocal masculinity preferences, preferring masculinity most in the fertile phase (chapter 8). Men's testosterone levels predicted the size of changes in attributions of dominance to men's voices (chapter 9). Women's voice pitch correlated with facial-metric masculinity and facial attractiveness (chapter 10). Men preferred women's voices with raised pitch to lowered pitch at multiple levels of starting pitch (chapter 11). These findings indicate men preferred femininity to averageness. In chapter 12, I relate the work in this thesis to other work and the broader evolutionary perspective.
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Lindgren, Kristen Paige. "Sexual intent perceptions : review and integration of findings, investigation of automatic processes, and development and implementation of a dynamic assessment methodology /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/9032.
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Ainley, Benjamin R. "'Better Make It a Double': Perceived Relatedness Increases Reported Attractiveness." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2011. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/477.
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Sexual selection shaped psychological mechanisms in both sexes to assess potential mates for evidence of mate quality (Buss, 2005). Attraction preferences are one such mechanism (Sugiyama, 2005) and physical attraction preferences are sensitive to fitness-promoting traits present in a potential mate. Physically attractive traits are thought to act as signals of good genetic quality (Neff & Pitcher, 2005) and are preferred because of the advantage such quality bestows towards reproductive success. Specifically, genetic quality is proposed to be a biological requirement necessary for physically attractive traits to develop and be maintained (Johnstone & Grafen, 1993). Furthermore, genetic quality is heritable to offspring, thereby increasing offspring reproductive success (Orr, 2009).
All mating decisions inherently involve trade-offs due to costs inflicted on time and resources when choosing a long-term mate. Assessing a mate for genetic quality is imperative to ensuring one selects a quality mate with heritable fitness benefits towards offspring reproductive success (Buss, 2005). In order to minimize costs and maximize benefits when making mate selection decisions, humans use multiple and redundant signals of mate quality (Fink & Penton-Voak, 2002; Møller & Pomiankowski, 1993). Accordingly, this study supposed that siblings act as redundant signals of genetic quality that would factor into mating decisions. Because genetic quality is heritable (Houle, 1991) and visible through physical attractiveness (Thornhill & Gangestad, 1999), this study explored the possibility that knowledge of relatedness influenced attractiveness judgments of human faces.
Supporting the main hypothesis of the current study, siblings affected judgments of physical attractiveness for target faces. Analyses showed this effect to be driven entirely by female raters for both male [t(62)=3.87, p<.001] and female [t(61)=2.24, p=.029] target faces. Secondary analyses examining the effects of sibling pair attractiveness differences (low vs. high) showed that relatedness significantly increased female ratings of facial attractiveness for both low and high facially attractive male and low facially attractive female target faces. Results offer two possible conclusions as to the role relatedness may serve in mate quality assessments that align with parental investment as well as kin selection assumptions.
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Olsen, Brian J. "Life History Divergence & Tidal Salt Marsh Adaptations of the Coastal Plain Swamp Sparrow." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/25985.
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Adaptation to local environments via natural selection is a powerful mechanism for population divergence and likely one of the primary causes of speciation. To understand how specific habitats shape local adaptation, it is helpful to study closely-related populations from widely differing ecosystems that have not had sufficient time to diverge by genetic drift. Throughout the following chapters I examine the distribution of morphological, behavioral, and reproductive phenotypes within and between two subspecies of the swamp sparrow. These two populations, the tidal salt marsh endemic Melospiza georgiana nigrescens and the nominant inland subspecies, M. g. georgiana were incompletely isolated from each other following the retreat of the Wisconsin glaciation. Since that time the increased nest predation, temperature, season length, salinity and tidal flow of the coastal marshes relative to inland wetlands has resulted in a number of adaptations among coastal sparrows due to natural selection, sexual selection, and phenotypic plasticity. Specifically I examine the habitat preferences of the coastal plain swamp sparrow, the difference in clutch size between the two subspecies, the rates of extrapair fertilization relative to male quality, the ecosystem-specific interactions between natural and sexual selection on plumage badges, and the role of conspecific attraction in nest placement. The environmental differences of the tidal salt marsh have played strong roles in the local adaptation and divergence of coastal plain swamp sparrows from their freshwater ancestors. Many of these divergent mechanisms may be similar among other tidal marsh endemics, although some (especially those related to sexual selection) may be specific to the swamp sparrow. In general, however, we see that the added environmental challenges of tidal ecosystems strongly alter selection regimes on a terrestrial vertebrate inhabiting this dynamic ecotone. The swamp sparrow system can further increase our understanding of how the interplay between environmental resources, sexual selection, and natural selection affects the local adaptations leading to evolutionary divergence.Ph. D.
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Shermann, Claire Eloise. "Nudity in advertising : the effects of product category, sexual attraction and differing levels of nudity on arousal, attitude structure and purchase intentions /." Title page, abstract and table of contents only, 2001. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09EC/09ecs5536.pdf.
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Walerius, Adriana Helena. "Comportamento de acasalamento e atratividade ao ferômonio sexual de Gyropsylla spegazziniana Lizer & Trelles (HEMIPTERA: PSYLLIDAE)." Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, 2017. http://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/3466.
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Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is considered an important pest of the yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), causing considerable economic losses. Most insects use chemical, visual, or acoustic signals in interspecific communication. Sex pheromones are the main signals involved in mating behavior. In this sense, this work aimed to describe the mating behavior of G. spegazziniana, to verify the attractiveness between males and females in Y olfactometer bioassays, and to identify the sex pheromone of this species. To describe the mating behavior virgin couples were placed in cages containing a yerba mate seedling. The insect behavior during the photophase and scotophase was observed. For behavioral tests in Y-olfactometer, virgin males or virgin females and a branch of yerba mate were used as odor source. To verify the presence of a sexual pheromone, body extracts of virgin males or virgin females were obtained and were analyzed by using gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Mating occurred only during the photophase, in the scotophase the couples remained immobile in the abaxial surface of the leaves. The mating sequence showed that the female walks on the new leaves and the male goes to meet her, standing face to face with her. After a brief antennal touch between the couple, the male turns the abdomen and attaches to the female. As a result of Y olfactometer bioassays, males and females were attracted to females in the olfactometer but were not attracted to males, suggesting a presence of volatiles released by females for sexual attraction. There was a presence of a single female-specific compound, identified as 2-nonadecanone, that may act as sex pheromone.The results suggest that G. spegazziniana females release sex pheromone to attract males for mating. The compounds released by the females can interact with the volatiles emitted by the yerba mate, resulting in the attractiveness of G. spegazziniana males.
Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) é um psílideo considerado uma das principais pragas da cultura da erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis), causando grandes prejuízos econômicos. A maioria dos insetos utiliza sinais químicos, visuais ou acústicos na comunicação interespecífica. Os feromônios sexuais são os principais sinais envolvidos no acasalamento. Neste sentido, este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever o comportamento de acasalamento de G. spegazziniana, verificar a atratividade entre machos e fêmeas em bioensaios com olfatômetro em Y e identificar o feromônio sexual da espécie. Para a descrição do acasalamento, casais virgens foram colocados em gaiolas contendo uma muda de erva-mate. Foi observado o comportamento dos casais durante a fotofase e escotofase. Para os ensaios de atratividade em olfatômetro em Y, foram utilizados insetos vivos (machos e fêmeas virgens) e um ramo de erva-mate como fonte de odor. Para analisar a presença do feromônio sexual foram feitos extratos do corpo de machos e fêmeas virgens, que foram analisados em cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado à espectrômetro de massas (CG-MS). Foi verificado que a cópula ocorreu somente durante a fotofase, sendo que na escotofase os casais permaneciam imóveis na parte abaxial da folhas. A sequência de acasalamento demonstrou que a fêmea caminha principalmente pela brotação e o macho vai ao seu encontro, ficando frente a frente com a mesma; após um breve toque de antenas entre o casal, o macho vira o abdome e rapidamente ocorre a cópula. Nos bioensaios de atratividade, machos e fêmeas foram atraídos para fêmeas vivas no olfatômetro, porém não foram atraídos para machos vivos, o que sugere a presença de voláteis liberados pelas fêmeas para atração sexual. Foi constatada a presença de um composto fêmea-específico, identificado como 2-nonadecanona, com o possível papel de feromônio sexual. De acordo com os resultados, sugere-se que as fêmeas de G. spegazziniana liberam feromônios sexuais para atrair machos para o acasalamento. Os compostos liberados pelas fêmeas podem interagir com os voláteis emitidos pela erva-mate, resultando na atratividade dos machos de G. spegazziniana.
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Danneman, Måns. "Menstruationscykelns inverkan på kvinnors preferenser för mäns ansikten." Thesis, Örebro University, Department of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-1681.
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Menstruationscykelns inverkan på kvinnors preferenser för mäns ansikten
Sammanfattning
Detta är en systematisk replikation av Penton-Voaks och Perrets studie (1999) då en preferens hos kvinnor för maskuliniserade ansiktsdrag under hög befruktningsrisk i menstruationscykeln hittades. Dessa drag tros vara en ärlig signal för goda gener och immunokompetens hos män. Oklarhet råder huruvida detta gäller för olika populationer. 36 svenska universitetsstuderande kvinnor fick därför välja ut de mest fysiskt attraktiva ansiktena, utifrån maskuliniserade och feminiserade bildserier, vid hög respektive låg befruktningsrisk. Ingen signifikant skillnad hittades mellan de olika faserna. Resultaten indikerar att fynden för menstruella preferensskiften inte är robusta över olika populationer och att det eventuellt är flera evolutionära mekanismer som opererar samtidigt. Alternativt kan kulturella faktorer spela en större roll än vad som tidigare förutsatts.
Women’s Preferences for Male Facial Masculinity Across the Menstrual Cycle
Abstract
This is a systematic replication of the Penton-Voak and Perret study (1999) where a preference for masculinized faces was found at high conception risk in the menstrual cycle. These traits are believed to be honest signals of good genes and immunocompetence. It is uncertain if these findings are robust across different populations. 36 Swedish college students were asked to pick out the most “physically attractive” male faces from masculinized and feminized stimuli at high and low risk of conception. No significant differences were found between the phases. The results indicate that the findings for a menstrual preference shift are not consistent with the original study . Perhaps several evolutionary mechanisms are operating at the same time, and cultural factors might have a greater influence than previously supposed.
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Spry-Leverton, Anna. "A portfolio of academic, therapeutic practice and research work : including two qualitative investigations into feelings of sexual attraction and dislike in the therapeutic relationship." Thesis, University of Surrey, 2011. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.543902.
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Bergsten, Johannes. "Taxonomy, phylogeny, and secondary sexual character evolution of diving beetles, focusing on the genus Acilius." Doctoral thesis, Umeå : Univ., Ekologi, miljö och geovetenskap, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-527.
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Lie, Hanne Cathrine. "The role of genetic diversity in human sexual selection : is the MHC special?" University of Western Australia. School of Psychology, 2009. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2010.0053.
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[Truncated abstract] The assumption that facial attractiveness signals mate quality is central to current evolutionary theories of human sexual selection. Evidence for direct links between attractiveness and mate quality is, however, scarce, and the exact nature of mate quality remains the subject of debate. Mate quality may include genetic diversity, because genome-wide diversity has been linked to individual fitness, and diversity within the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) has been associated with immunocompetence and health in many species. This thesis investigates whether individual genetic diversity plays a role in human sexual selection. The main aim is to examine whether MHC diversity, compared to genetic diversity in general, is especially important for mate preferences, health and mating success. The four studies herein are based on data collected from a large sample of heterosexual, Caucasian males and females. Participants were photographed, provided a DNA sample, and completed questionnaires regarding sexual history and health. Genetic diversity was calculated as both mean heterozygosity (H) and standardised mean-d2 (d2), separately for 12 MHC microsatellite loci and 11 nonMHC loci. The photographs were rated for various attractive features by opposite-sex raters. The first study investigated whether MHC diversity influences preferences for facial appearance in a potential mate, and if so, are they specific to the MHC and are they mediated by specific facial characteristics? I found that MHC-H, but not nonMHCH, positively predicted male facial attractiveness, and that this relationship was mediated by facial averageness. For females, nonMHC-d2 predicted facial symmetry, and potentially attractiveness. These findings indicate that faces contain visual cues to mate quality in both males and females, providing support for evolutionary theories that our preferences are adaptations for identifying mates of high quality. ... Measuring them both allowed me to tease apart their effects on mate preferences, and on health and mating success. Indeed, the MHC appears to be especially important in sexual selection as MHC diversity predicted female mate preferences after controlling for nonMHC diversity, and MHC dissimilarity predicted male mate preferences after controlling for nonMHC dissimilarity. Moreover, although MHC diversity did not appear to influence males preference for females, it did predict female mating success, suggesting that males also attend to MHC-related cues, although perhaps non-facial cues, when seeking mates. Additionally, nonMHC diversity predicted both male preferences for female faces and health, suggesting that such preferences are adaptive. Importantly, by providing direct links between facial attractiveness and biological markers of individual quality, genetic diversity, these results support the commonly held assumption that facial attractiveness signals mate quality.
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Forrester, Deanna L., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Evolutionary models for male androphilia." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, 2011, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/2631.
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Androphilia refers to sexual attraction and arousal to adult males, whereas gynephilia
refers to sexual attraction and arousal to adult females. Prehistoric artifacts such as art
and pottery indicate that male-male same sex behaviour has existed for millennia.
Bearing this in mind, and considering that male androphilia has a genetic component yet
androphilic males reproduce at a fraction of the rate than do gynephilic males, how the
genes for male androphilia have been maintained in the population presents an
evolutionary puzzle. This thesis tests two hypotheses that attempt to address this
Darwinian paradox. Chapter one reviews the current literature on the kin selection
hypothesis and the sexually antagonistic gene hypothesis. In addition, rationales for
testing these hypotheses in Canada are provided. Chapter two tests the kin selection
hypothesis for male androphilia within a Canadian population. Results and implications
are discussed. Chapter three tests the sexually antagonistic gene hypothesis within a
Canadian population. Results and implications are discussed. Chapter four summarizes
the results of the two studies and discusses how these findings may be interpreted from
an evolutionary perspective. The impacts of gene-environment interaction on the
functional behavioral expression of traits are emphasized.viii, 113 leaves ; 29 cm
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Pisanski, Katarzyna Alicja, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "The effects of voice pitch and resonances on assessments of speaker size, masculinity, and attractiveness." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, 2010, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/2549.
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The human voice might have been shaped by sexual selection. Hence, voice fundamental (F0, or pitch) and formant frequencies (Fn, or timbre) are proposed to convey fitness cues germane to rivals and potential mates. First, I confirm the independent effects of F0 and Fn on listeners’ assessments of speaker size, masculinity, and attractiveness. Second, I quantify the just-noticeable differences in both vocal features and then place F0 and Fn cues in conflict by equally discriminable amounts to test their relative influence on such voice-based social judgments. Results revealed a greater relative role of Fn in listeners’ ratings of all three dimensions, suggesting that these dimensions might all be cued more reliably by Fn than F0. Alternatively, given post-hoc principal component analyses that revealed considerable overlap in ratings of size, masculinity, and attractiveness, listeners’ conceptions of these dimensions may not be independent despite a research tradition that assumes they are.xi, 102 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm
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Allen, Caroline. "The artificially scented ape : investigating the role of fragrances and body odours in human interactions." Thesis, University of Stirling, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/22599.
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It was long believed that humans were unable to utilise the odours of conspecifics to co-ordinate social interactions in ways in which other species appear to be capable. However, a surge in interest in human social olfaction has recently challenged this view. The numerous studies conducted in this area have found that multiple state and trait related cues can be detected in body odour. Furthermore, many studies indicate that women are often more sensitive to these cues, and that sensitivity can be associated with fertility, findings that are consistent with sex differences in reproductive effort and benefits of choosiness in mate-searching. Since previous studies in this area have usually addressed the potential for humans to use olfactory communication in a comparable manner to other mammals, they typically involve collection and assessment of ‘natural’ odour. That is, they explicitly exclude the possibility of ‘contamination’ of odour samples by artificial fragrances. However, humans have used artificial fragrances for millennia, across many different cultures. This raises the question of whether widespread fragrance use may affect or disrupt the detection of this information in modern humans. The first aim of this thesis was to address this question by investigating how fragrance use may mediate the detection of olfactory information in humans. As well as providing further evidence for sex differences in the assessment of olfactory cues, and for the role of olfaction in real world partner choice, the findings herein suggest that fragrance may act differently on different information being assessed, potentially masking accurate assessment of certain traits (such as masculinity), while fragrance choice and preferences may be important in complementing other olfactory information (such as the general distinguishability of an individuals’ odour profile). A second aim of the thesis was to develop a scale in order to more accurately describe the varying perceptual qualities of human body odour – in other words to map human body odours. This work was conducted alongside perfumers in order to benefit from their expertise in olfactory perception and semantic labelling of odours. The development of such a scale could enable improved understanding of the perceptual qualities of human odour, making it possible to link specific perceptual qualities to specific cues (e.g. symmetry, masculinity, sex) or to manipulate odours based on perceptual qualities in experimental settings, and has direct practical implications for fragrance designers and for improving the ability of individuals to choose fragrance products that suit their odour profile. The second section of the thesis focuses on the effects of odours on the individual wearer as well as on perceivers in the environment. One study is presented which investigates the role of malodour reduction compared to the addition of fragrances in perceptions of confidence and attractiveness, finding that both the reduction of malodour and the addition of fragrance appear to be important for confidence as rated by others in the environment. The final study presented in the thesis examines a hitherto un-investigated role of olfaction during human pregnancy. The rationale for the study is based on evidence suggesting that in certain non-human species, which also show bi-parental care of offspring, there may be a role for chemical, or odour based, communication which underpins behavioural and endocrinological changes related to infant care behaviours in males. The study found little evidence to support the presence of analogous olfactory signalling during human pregnancy, though the findings are discussed in light of methodological changes which, if made in future studies, may result in different outcomes. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the importance of continuing to investigate various forms of olfactory communication, as well as improving our understanding of odours through the mapping of their perceptual qualities, and finally further examining the ways in which various fragranced products, which are widely used in society, may affect all of this. Future directions for this area of research are discussed. This line of investigation will, I argue, enable us to finally establish the true role of olfaction in contemporary social environments.
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Griffey, Jack Alexander Fernall. "Human and non-human primate preferences for faces and facial attractiveness." Thesis, University of Stirling, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/3677.
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For humans and non-human primates (NHPs) the face represents a particularly important source of social information providing a means of conspecific recognition and cues to personal details including sex, age, and emotional state. The human face may also be fundamental in the transmission to conspecifics of other forms of socially relevant information including the display of facial traits associated with sexual attraction and mate choice. A wealth of experimental literature indicates that humans display robust preferences for certain facial traits associated with facial attractiveness including preferences for bilateral facial symmetry, facial averageness and sexually dimorphic faces and facial features. It is thought that these preferences have evolved via sexual selection, and may be adaptive, due to the role that these specific facial features play in reliably signalling to others the possession of heritable genetic quality or ‘good genes’. Therefore, from an evolutionary perspective, it is possible that certain facial preferences may represent an evolutionary adaptation for the selection of potential mate quality. However, despite similarities between human and NHP face processing and recognition abilities, the shared evolutionary history and social importance of faces to primates in general, and the potential importance of these preferences in the mate choice decisions of NHPs, very little research has investigated the extent to which NHPs display comparable preferences to humans for these specific facial traits. Consequently, the aim of the following thesis was to comparatively assess the general and more specific preferences that humans and NHPs display for faces and for traits associated with facial attractiveness. Data was compiled from preference studies examining the visual preferences displayed by two species of NHP (brown capuchins (Cebus apella) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)) for conspecific faces manipulated for those facial traits associated with attractiveness, and from a single study of brown capuchins examining their general visual preferences for various types of facial information. Comparative preference studies were also conducted upon human adults and infants examining the visual and declared preferences that they display for manipulations of facial attractiveness. Data showed that despite possessing general preferences for certain faces and facial information, generally NHPs displayed no significant preferences for those facial traits thought to influences judgements of attractiveness in humans. Possible reasons for this absence of preference for these particular facial traits and the evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.
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Abrahams, Zoe. "The dynamics and management of erotic transference in the psychotherapeutic setting : a review." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/999.
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Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Sexual relationships in the psychotherapeutic setting have always been regarded as unethical and sexual attraction between therapist and client has generally proved to be awkward and anxiety provoking for those involved. Although research indicates that these relationships do occur, and that sexual feelings between therapists and clients are not infrequent, there is little conceptual clarity on the dynamics thereof. Consequently, the available guidelines and ethical rules regulating such sexual contact generally take the form of “thou shalt not…” and provide limited assistance to therapists in managing such situations in a manner that protects the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. This review assumes the presence of the psychodynamic phenomenon of transference in all psychotherapeutic relationships, and constructs sexual attraction and contact as the product of the sub-concept of erotic transference. Against this background, the review presents the dynamics of erotic transference in terms of its nature, impact and management. On this basis, current ethical codes and training issues are reviewed, guidelines for proper prevention and management are suggested and important directions for future research are identified.
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Corbley, Chad David. "Components of Sexual Orientation: Attractions, Behaviors, and Identity Labels." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1218040353.
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Chéron, Hubert. "Etude du piégeage sexuel des noctuelles du maïs en Guadeloupe, en vue de prognose." Paris 6, 1986. http://www.theses.fr/1986PA066501.
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Contribution à une meilleure connaissance de l'évolution spatiale et temporelle des populations de noctuelles sur l'ile et à la mise au point de dispositifs de piégeage sexuel plus efficaces et plus sélectifs pour la surveillance agricole
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White, Corissa L. "When sexual and romantic attractions are directed toward disparate genders." Thesis, Alliant International University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3701217.
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Many pair-bond relationships begin as a result of romantic attraction and sexual desire. Romantic attraction comprises feelings of love, affection, intimacy, and a desire to spend time with another person; sexual desire involves sexual attraction, arousal, and behavior (Diamond, 2003). This dissertation explored how individuals reconcile their experience of predominant sexual desire toward members of one gender (e.g. women) and predominant romantic attraction toward members of another gender (e.g. men).
To study this experience, a small, qualitative study was performed. Participants were recruited via flyers to answer interview questions regarding their romantic and sexual attractions and the impact of those feelings on their relationships with others and their own mental health. The experiences of four participants were then analyzed via phenomenological analysis. Two of the participants identified as male, and two as female. All participants were graduate students. Three of the participants described complicated attractions, reporting that they were romantically and sexually attracted to members of one gender, while also being romantically or sexually attracted to members of another gender.
Participants discussed several aspects of this experience, including: being unsure how to identify their sexual orientations (two participants noted that they do not identify as bisexual because they feel the term implies a sense of equality between romantic and sexual attraction); the extent to which they have discussed attractions with other people (three participants reported that they do not discuss their attractions with their families); the impact their attractions have had on relationships (two participants reported they feel their attractions have impacted their dating lives); and the struggles and benefits participants report related to their variant attractions.
While each of the participants' sexual and romantic preferences was different from the others', all report that acceptance by friends and family improved psychological well-being. Counter to this sense of well-being, however, are limitations in modern language regarding personal identities. All of the participants noted that they chose a label that is closest to what they perceive their collective attractions to be, and that they experience personal confusion about how to label themselves, which translates to confusion when discussing their identities with others.
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Young, Laura May. "Masting and insect pollination in the dioecious alpine herb Aciphylla : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biological Science in the University of Canterbury /." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Biological Sciences, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/1345.
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Aciphylla species (wild spaniard/speargrass) are an iconic component of the Australasian high country flora, but their reproductive system is enigmatic. They are insect-pollinated dioecious mast seeders (synchronous highly variable seed production), which seems maladaptive. The resource supply to pollinators is highly variable, yet dioecious plants are dependent on pollinators, and dioecious masting requires male and female plants to flower synchronously. Floral display in Aciphylla is relatively large, with tall inflorescences bearing thousands of flowers, suggesting that plants would not have the resources to produce such large stalks every year. But why do they have such huge inflorescences in the first place? I tested whether pollinator attraction is providing an economy of scale which favours intermittent production of very large inflorescences, by manipulating floral display size during a high-flowering year and measuring insect visitation rates and seed set (female reproductive success). Using space-for-time substitution and selective removal of male inflorescences, I also tested whether female seed set was affected by distance to flowering male plants (i.e. changes in local pollen availability) to see if flowering asynchrony would reduce pollination success. Bags were used to exclude pollination by insects and test for wind pollination, and hand pollination was done to test for pollen limitation. Insect surveys suggest that Aciphylla has a generalist pollination system (to avoid satiating a specialist pollinator during 'mast' years'). Male inflorescences received significantly more visits than females, and some seeds were set inside bags (although only 20-30%), suggesting wind pollination may occur at low levels. Seed set rate was higher for taller inflorescences with greater flowering length in A. aurea but tall inflorescences with excess flowers led to a decrease in seed set rates in A. scott-thomsonii. Hand pollination significantly increased seed set rates although these effects were not as large as expected (e.g. 10% increases from natural to hand-pollinated inflorescences were typical). There was no evidence for resource limitation in any species. Female plants in dense flowering populations had higher seed set rates, and individual floral display size in females was particularly important when females were 'isolated' from males. Insect visitation rates were generally higher on inflorescences with a larger floral display, suggesting that display size is important for pollinator attraction. Overall, these results suggest that the pollinator-attraction benefits of such a large floral display (at both the plant and population level) are possibly providing an economy of scale, although the relative effects are small.
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Jouhanneau, Mélanie. "Accélération de la puberté par les phéromones mâles chez la souris femelle : régulation des neurones à Kisspeptine et conséquences à long terme sur le comportement sexuel." Thesis, Tours, 2014. http://www.theses.fr/2014TOUR4014.
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Chez la souris, la puberté de la femelle est accélérée par des phéromones urinaires émises par le mâle (effet Vandenbergh). Les mécanismes neuroendocriniens sous-Jacents et les conséquences comportementales restent peu connus. Par une approche multidisciplinaire alliant immunohistochimie, chromatographie gazeuse couplée à la spectrométrie de masse et chirurgie expérimentale, mon travail de thèse montre que les neurones synthétisant la kisspeptine, un neuropeptide hypothalamique jouant un rôle essentiel dans le contrôle de la puberté, sont régulés positivement par les phéromones accélératrices de la puberté. Les neurones à kisspeptine reçoivent le signal phéromonal via le système olfactif accessoire et le transmettent aux neurones à GnRH. De plus, des analyses comportementales montrent qu’outre leur effet physiologique connu, les phéromones accélératrices de la puberté modifient à long terme le comportement sexuel de la souris femelle. En effet, la préférence de la femelle pour l’odeur du mâle s’exprime plus tôt à l’âge adulte après l’exposition péripubère aux phéromones émises par la souris mâleIn the mouse, female puberty onset is accelerated by male urinary pheromones (Vandenbergh effect). The neuroendocrine mechanisms underlining this effect and the behavioral consequences are poorly understood. Through a multidisciplinary approach using immunohistochemistry, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and experimental surgery, my thesis research show that neurons that synthesize kisspeptin, a hypothalamic neuropeptide which plays a master role in the control of puberty onset, are positively regulated by puberty-Accelerating pheromones. Kisspeptin neurons receive pheromone signal via the accessory olfactory system and transmit it to GnRH neurons. Moreover, behavioral analyses show that besides their known physiological effect, puberty-Accelerating pheromones also have long-Term effects on sexual behavior of the female mouse. Indeed, puberty-Accelerating pheromones induce a precocious expression of male-Directed odor preference in adult female mice
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Taylor, Michelle Louise. "Sexual selection and the benefits of mating with attractive males in Drosophila simulans." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10036/40883.
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Over the last century, sexual selection has grown from a controversial theory into a vast field of theoretical and empirical research. Although Darwin outlined two major mechanisms within his theory, male-male competition and female mate choice, the latter has promoted a wealth of research by virtue of its complexity. Despite decades of research into how female preferences and sexually selected traits have evolved, there is still little consensus as to why females prefer the males they do. Preferences are thought to evolve from either direct selection on the preference, as females themselves benefit directly from mating with a preferred male, or through indirect selection on the preference via offspring fitness. In all cases however, female preferences should compensate for the costs of discriminating between potential mates, if they are to remain overall beneficial. The fitness benefits of mating with preferred males were investigated here using the fruitfly Drosophila simulans, employing a range of behavioural, phenotypic and quantitative genetic approaches. The findings presented here indicate that female Drosophila simulans do not gain directly from mating with a preferred male. Multiple mating can increase fecundity, although costs from male harassment can reduce the net benefit. They also indicate that females may benefit indirectly from mating with attractive males as attractiveness is heritable and sons of preferred males are themselves preferred. There is also evidence that attractive males are successful in both the pre- and post-copulatory sense, as preferred males are better sperm competitors than less-preferred males. However, although there appear to be benefits from preferred males via their sons, there appear to be no benefits from males via their daughters’ fitness. These findings collectively indicate that female preferences in Drosophila simulans are driven by indirectly selected benefits (via Fisherian sons), and that females benefit directly from mating multiply.
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Anderton, Cindy L. "Reconciling Disparate Identities: A Qualitative Study with women in the LDS Church Experiencing Same-sex Attractions." OpenSIUC, 2010. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/dissertations/142.
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LGB individuals seek out counseling at higher rates than their straight counterparts and they tend to present for counseling with concerns that are unique and different from heterosexuals, such as difficulty reconciling one's sexual orientation with one's own religious beliefs. Yet counselors and counselors-in-training indicate that they have received very little education and/or training for working competently with LGB clients or with clients dealing with issues of religion and spirituality. The counseling profession could benefit from research providing in-depth and descriptive information as to the experiences of LGB participants who have same-sex attractions and come from a religious faith tradition that is not embracing of a non-heterosexual orientation identity in order for counselors to more fully understand the issues these LGB clients might present with. To begin addressing this need this dissertation was undertaken with the purpose of examining the experiences of women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who currently have or have had same-sex attractions. A phenomenological methodology was used in order to collect and analyze the data from two semi-structured interviews with 10 Caucasian women who: were born into and raised in the LDS religion; had resided in either Utah or Idaho during their formative years; and, had indicated that they had experienced a same-sex attraction. Results indicated that the women in this study struggled with: figuring out and identifying themselves as a non-heterosexual person, the LDS religion and religious culture, and coming out to others in their lives. In-depth descriptions are provided highlighting the commonalities and ways in which the women in this study experienced difficulty and conflict during their experience of having a same-sex attraction within the LDS religious culture. The results of this study have compelling implications for counselors working with this population as well as counselor educators in charge of the training and education of counseling students.
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Sillam-Dussès, David. "Evolution des phéromones de piste chez les termites et leurs relations avec les phéromones sexuelles." Dijon, 2004. http://www.theses.fr/2004DIJOS038.
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Il a été montré que les termites les plus archai͏̈ques et ceux qui ne sortent pas du bois sécrètent une phéromone de piste. Ce terme recouvre toutefois une hétérogénéité fonctionnelle. La phéromone de piste de 33 espèces a été identifiée. Les Mastotermitidae et les Termopsidae Porotermitinae et Stolotermitinae possèdent la même phéromone de piste (alcool en C14). Les Termopsidae Termopsinae sécrètent une molécule voisine (aldéhyde en C14). Les Kalotermitidae possèdent le dodécénol comme phéromone de piste. Les Rhinotermitidae ont le dodécatriénol, sauf les Prorhinotermes qui sécrètent du néocembrène. Les Termitidae Termitinae sécrètent le dodécatriénol, de même que les Nasutitermitinae mandibulés. Les Nasutitermitinae nasuti sécrètent une phéromone de piste à double composante (dodécatriénol et de néocembrène) identifiée pour la première fois chez les termites. Un nouvel aldéhyde en C14 a été identifié comme phéromone sexuelle femelle chez Zootermopsis nevadensis et Z. AngusticollisIt has been shown that trail pheromones also exist in the most archai͏̈c termites and in the "one piece" species that do not forage outside. However, the trail pheromones showed several behavioural effects. The trail pheromone of 33 species was identified by GC-MS after SPME. The Mastotermitidae and the Termopsidae Porotermitinae and Stolotermitinae had the same trail pheromone, a new molecule (C14 alcohol), and that the Termopsidae Termopsinae used a closely related C14 aldehyde. The Kalotermitidae used dodecenol as a trail pheromone. The Rhinotermitidae used dodecatrienol, except Prorhinotermes that secreted neocembrene. The Termitidae Termitinae also secreted dodecatrienol as the Termitidae Nasutitermitinae mandibulate. However the Termitidae Nasutitermitinae nasute had a multicomponent pheromone made of dodecatrienol and neocembrene acting in synergy. A new molecule (C14 aldehyde) was also identified as a termite female sex pheromone in Zootermopis nevadensis and Z. Angusticollis
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Björk, Johanna. "Could musical mastery affect how attractive a person is rated as a prospective partner?" Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för psykologi, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-73419.
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Evolutionary psychology explains and predicts human behaviour based on its adaptive value. Some apparently non-adaptive behaviours such as humans’ devotion to music can be explained by sexual selection of costly signals, since it takes time and effort to learn to play an instrument well. Here, participants rated pictures of persons of the opposite sex that were said to play a piece of music that was heard while watching each picture. The music performances were either of low, medium, or high level of skill, and a better performance was predicted to lead to higher ratings of partner attractiveness because it is more costly. No effect of the music was found, except that women rated men as less desirable for a long-term relationships when the skill level was high than when it was medium.Evolutionspsykologiska teorier förklarar och predicerar mänskligt beteende utifrån dess adaptiva värde. Vissa uppenbart icke-adaptiva beteenden, som människans hängivenhet till musik, kan förklaras som sexuell selektion av kostsamma signaler, eftersom det kräver tid och möda att lära sig bemästra ett instrument. Deltagare fick skatta bilder på personer av motsatt kön som påstods spela det musikstycke som hördes medan man tittade på varje bild. Musikutförandet var antingen av låg, medel, eller hög skicklighet, och ett bättre utförande förväntades ge högre skattningar av partnerattraktivitet eftersom det är mer kostsamt. Ingen effekt av musiken förelåg, förutom att kvinnorna skattade män som mindre attraktiva för ett längre förhållande när skicklighetsnivån var hög jämfört med när den var medelhög.
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Lacaille, Fabien. "Analyse génétique de la réponse gustative aux phéromones sexuelles et aux substances amères chez Drosophila melanogaster." Dijon, 2007. http://www.theses.fr/2007DIJOS080.
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Vantorre, Thomas. "Communication chimique et compétition lors de la reproduction chez Gastrophysa viridula, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae." Doctoral thesis, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2013/ULB-DIPOT:oai:dipot.ulb.ac.be:2013/209328.
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Parmi les modes de communication les plus exploités chez les insectes, la communication chimique figure en bonne place. D’ailleurs, la recherche moderne consacrée aux signaux chimiques émis et perçus par les individus d’une même espèce n’a de cesse de se développer depuis plus de 50 ans. A travers ce travail de thèse, nous nous sommes intéressés à ces phéromones associées au comportement sexuel de Gastrophysa viridula (Coleoptera :Chrysomelidae). Nous avons menés, dans ce cadre, plusieurs bioessais comportementaux liés pour la plupart à des analyses chimiques par chromatographie gazeuse couplée à une spectrométrie de masse (GC-MS).La fonction la plus évidente de la phéromone sexuelle de G. viridula est l’induction du comportement sexuel mâle. Cet « aphrodisiaque », probablement constitué de plusieurs composés cuticulaires (des alcanes méthylés lourds), est émis par la femelle et déclenche par contact la sortie de l’édéage des mâles. Etonnamment, ces composés se retrouvent aussi chez les mâles de G. viridula dont le comportement sexuel est alors induit au contact de composés cuticulaires mâles. Ceci constituerait la cause proximale des comportements homosexuels observés chez les mâles de G. viridula. Nous avons ensuite étudié le rôle des composés cuticulaires dans l’isolement sexuel entre G. viridula et G. cyanea. Le comportement sexuel des mâles des deux espèces est en effet induit préférentiellement par les femelles conspécifiques. Pour G. viridula, cette préférence est visiblement attribuable aux composés cuticulaires. Enfin, les signaux chimiques sont parfois indicateurs du degré de compétition spermatique rencontré par un mâle et permettent à celui-ci d’ajuster la quantité de spermatozoïdes transmis à une femelle. Avant d’étudier l’implication de tels signaux chez G. viridula, nous avons souhaité mettre en évidence un ajustement de la quantité de spermatozoïdes transmis par des mâles soumis à divers degrés de compétition spermatique. Nos résultats ne nous permettent malheureusement pas de signaler un tel effet.
Doctorat en Sciences
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished