Why (Some of) Human Monogamy?

Relationship status and menstrual cycle characteristics were associated with monogamy in (mostly) human.

According to research by scientists at Florida State University in the U.S., single men consider the most attractive woman in the peak period of fertility in the menstrual cycle. Meanwhile, the man who was involved in a relationship actually think women are less attractive at the time of peak fertility.

Scientists at Florida State University examined 38 college-age men for 3 months. Among the 38 men, 12 admitted in a relationship. The whole man interacts with a 21-year-old woman who does not know where the men who already had a love affair. The men were asked to rate the "attractiveness" several times at several stages of the menstrual cycle.

To ensure there are no external factors, scientists asked the woman to wear the same clothes and telling a neutral way of interacting with all men. The woman also requested to use the products without fragrances and are prohibited from using perfumes and deodorants during the experiment.

The result, researchers found that men who already had a love affair assumes that women are less attractive in the fertile period.

The researchers estimate that to happen because people who already have a relationship unconsciously avoid the temptation. Scientists call this a "strategy of relationship maintenance". This strategy helps monogamy in men and women.

However, according to a study published in the journal Experimental Social Psychology, this strategy can not resist temptation when jealous participate. (Alex Pangestu / Discovery News)