Factors influencing preferences for height: a replication and extension

The present study examined preferences for absolute height and the male-taller norm in a community sample of 901 British individuals. Initial results replicated previous studies, showing that both women and men preferred relationships in which the woman was shorter than the man. Specifically, the ideal male partner for women was significantly taller than the average man in our sample, and there was no significant difference between the ideal female partner for men and the average woman in the sample. In addition, there were weak associations between height preferences and endorsement of several aspects of the traditional male gender role (rs = .04–.23). Height preferences were also correlated with self-esteem (rs = .15–.17), conformity (rs = − .14–.15), and the Big Five personality facets of neuroticism and extraversion (rs = .07–.25). Limitations of the present study and the association between attractiveness preferences and actual mate choice decisions are discussed in conclusion