Women perceive men with lower pitched voices to be more likely to cheat whereas men perceive women with higher pitched voices to be more likely to cheat, according to a unique new study. The study was the first to investigate the relationship between voice pitch and perceptions of infidelity and was published in the most recent edition of the online journal, Evolutionary Psychology.
“In terms of sexual strategy, we found that men and women will use voice pitch as a warning sign of future betrayal,” lead author, Jillian O’Connor, said.
Study participants listened to two recorded clips of higher and lower pitched male and female voices. They were then asked which would be more likely to be sexually unfaithful to their romantic partner. Most women pointed to the male with the lower pitched voice whereas most men pointed to the woman with the higher pitched voice as more likely to be unfaithful.
The study suggests that humans have learned through the evolutionary process to avoid partners who may be unfaithful in the future using voice pitch as a cue, O’Connor said.
Assistant professor and advisor of the study, David Feinberg, said these perceptions are likely due to the links between pitch, hormones and infidelity.
“Men with higher testosterone levels have lower pitched voices, and women with higher estrogen levels have higher pitched voices,” Feinberg explained. “High levels of these hormones are associated with adulterous behavior and our findings indicate individuals are somewhat aware of the link and may use this in their search for a romantic partner.”
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