Physical attractiveness mediates the relationship between resting heart rate variability and mate value

Abstract

The present study had two main purposes: (a) to replicate the findings of Vacharkulsemsuk and colleagues (2016) and Joel and colleagues (2017) wherein body language and physical attractiveness each predict desirability, and (b) to determine if body language and physical attractiveness mediate the observed link between heart rate variability (HRV) and mate value as reported by Bailey (2017). A total of 42 university students attended a laboratory session where they rated soundless video monologues of 192 students describing their relationship experiences. Ratings of expansive body language and physical attractiveness were found to predict rater’s desire to go on a future date with ratees. Furthermore, physical attractiveness mediated the HRV – mate value link. These results suggest that physical attractiveness acts as a proxy to communicate information about the HRV of a potential date in the mating marketplace.