Intrasexual competition and contrast effects on men's self-ratings of attractiveness and social ascendancy : Status, physical fitness or looks?

In order to determine which of the three male perception foci, status, physical dominance, or looks, lead to contrast effects on men's self-rated physical and sexual attractiveness, and social ascendancy men were exposed to a high or low status and physically fit or unfit man (Experiment 1) or (0 3 physically fit or unfit and attractive or unattractive man (Experiment 2). Since men can effectively derogate the physical dominance of 3 male competitor but cannot effectively derogate the attractiveness of a male competitor higher self-ratings of social ascendancy were hypothesized for exposure to a fit man and lower ratings of attractiveness were hypothesized for exposure to an attractive man. The results were consistent with the hypotheses. Contrast effects are a function of exposure to the physically dominant and physically attractive in accordance with evolutionary biological explanations of male intrasexual competition