October 13, 2010

• Attractive women boost men’s stress

  Just five minutes alone with an attractive female raise the levels of a man’s cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, according to a study from the University of Valencia.

  The effects are heightened in men who believe that the woman in question is “out of their league.”

  Researchers tested students by asking each one to sit in a room and solve a Sudoku puzzle. Two strangers, one male and one female, were also in the room.
  
  When the female stranger left the room and the two men remained sitting together, the volunteer’s stress levels did not rise. However, when the volunteer was left alone with the female stranger, his cortisol levels rose.

  The researchers concluded: “In this study we considered that for most men the presence of an attractive woman may induce the perception that there is an opportunity for courtship. I don’t know about that but I certainly don’t want to look like a dummy in front of any woman.

  “While some men might avoid attractive women since they think they are ‘out of their league,’ the majority would respond with apprehension and a concurrent hormonal response.

  “This study showed that male cortisol levels increased after exposure to a five-minute short social contact with a young, attractive woman.” In my office the men are out numbered three to one…I am not giving all the credit to cortisol but I know the men are much more calm and laid back at work than in other office environments that I have experienced.

  Cortisol can have a positive effect in small doses, improving alertness and well-being. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels can worsen medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and impotency.

  Remember that old rock and roll song? “if you want to be happy for the rest of your life get an ugly girl to be your wife.” Well looks like there could be scientific proof of that now.

  • 12:40 am
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