Linking human male vocal parameters to perceptions, body morphology, strength and hormonal profiles in contexts of sexual selection

This study investigated the relationship between male vocal parameters, perceptions of attractiveness and dominance, and underlying biological factors. Using voice recordings from 160 men, along with hormone levels, body morphology, and strength measurements, the researchers tested pre-registered hypotheses. They found negative curvilinear and linear relationships between fundamental frequency (f₀) and attractiveness/dominance perceptions. Cortisol and testosterone interacted in predicting f₀, and strength/body size negatively predicted formant frequencies. Meta-analyses confirmed that f₀ negatively predicted testosterone only in men with lower cortisol. The findings suggest evolutionary functions for attention to men's vocal characteristics in sexual selection.

Christoph Schild, Toe Aung, Tobias L. Kordsmeyer, Rodrigo A. Cardenas, David A. Puts, Lars Penke