EvoS Journal: The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium
Volume 11, Special Issue 1, 2019
Title
Hot Stuff! The Evolutionary Psychology Behind the Attractiveness of Volunteer Firefighters
Author(s)
Primavera, N. J., Kruger, D. J., Geher, G., Planke, J. A., & Goldstein, A.
Abstract
Research has demonstrated a clear relationship between riskiness and reported levels of general attractiveness. Research has also explored the perceived attractiveness of altruistic behaviors of males and females. No previous study has examined if these same effects apply to members of the volunteer fire service. The current study sought to examine these factors, by presenting heterosexual females with pictures and biographies of volunteer firefighters, manipulating the firefighter’s motivations regarding riskiness and altruism, to measure differences in their levels of perceived attraction. The pictures either showed the model in the traditional turnout gear of the firefighter, the dress uniform, or plain clothes. The biography paired with these pictures either depicted a risky firefighter, an altruistic firefighter, or it simply indicated that they are a firefighter. Dispositional measures included personality assessment to account for potential individual differences in the relationship between these factors. In general, firefighters with altruistic biographies were found to be most attractive for a long-term relationship and were rated highest on the Parenting Effort scale. Further, firefighters with risk-seeking biographies were found to be most attractive for a brief sexual affair and were rated highest on the Mating Effort scale.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59077/SAOB3647
How to cite this article:
Primavera, N. J., Kruger, D. J., Geher, G., Planke, J. A., & Goldstein, A. (2020). Hot stuff! The evolutionary psychology behind the attractiveness of volunteer firefighters. The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium, 11, Sp. Iss. (1), 94-115.
