Preferred and actual relative height are related to sex, sexual orientation, and dominance: Evidence from Brazil and the Czech Republic
Abstract
Height and dominance influence mate preferences and choices. We explored preferred relative height (PRH) among ideal partners and actual relative height (ARH) among long-term partners in heterosexual and non-heterosexual men and women from Brazil and the Czech Republic.
Furthermore, we tested whether PRH and ARH are influenced by own height, and submissiveness-dominance in relationship and sex. In a sample of 1.709 respondents (379 heterosexual men, 311 non-heterosexual men, 853 heterosexual women, and 166 non- heterosexual women) heterosexual men and women showed the "male-taller-norm" preferences and choices, while non-heterosexuals preferred and chose partners of a height similar to themselves; an "equal-height-norm".
Regression further showed that own height positively predicted both PRH and ARH in all four groups of participants. Moreover, non-heterosexual men and women who preferred to be dominant in sexual activities and heterosexual men who preferred to be dominant in relationships preferred to be taller than their partner.