Study shows women are more sexually attracted to brooding men

A recent study published in the journal Emotion supported the popular notion that women are more sexually attracted to so-called bad boys - the brooding men who often show serious emotions, as opposed to those that are happy.

The researchers surveyed 1,000 adult participants who rated the sexual attractiveness of hundreds of images of the opposite sex. The photos depicted men or women who were happy, proud or ashamed.

The study's results showed that while women were least attracted to happy, friendly looking men, the male participants were most sexually drawn to women with these qualities.

"It is important to remember that this study explored first impressions of sexual attraction to images of the opposite sex. We were not asking participants if they thought these targets would make a good boyfriend or wife - we wanted their gut reactions on carnal, sexual attraction," said lead researcher Alex Beall.

The investigators explained that their findings support theories of evolutionary psychology and gender norms, which imply that men are the dominant partners, compared to women who are more gentle and aim to please.