Bowler, Gianna M.. An examiniation of ovulatory shifts in extra-pair attractions among sexual minority women. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3R20ZKT
DescriptionThere is a growing body of research suggesting that women’s preferences and behaviors differ during different phases of their menstrual cycle. However, the vast majority of past research focuses solely on heterosexual women. The present study furthers prior research by examining sexual minority women when they are most likely to be fertile (versus during other points in their menstrual cycles), and their attraction to potential partners outside their current relationships. Participants were 73 women (38 heterosexual; Mage = 19.78, 35 sexual minority women; Mage = 29.69) in exclusive romantic relationships. Women’s fertility status, sexual orientation, and sexual attraction to partners outside of their romantic relationships were assessed during two separate times in their menstrual cycle in the form of an online survey. Findings reveal that consistency of sexual attraction to men versus women among sexual minority women predicts the target of their extra pair attractions during their most fertile phase of the menstrual cycle. These findings suggest the importance of examining evolutionary adaptations promoting reproductive fitness among women of diverse sexual orientations.