Men are not aware of and do not respond to their female partner's fertility status: Evidence from a dyadic diary study of 384 couples.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective observational dyadic diary cohort study (by design analogy, non-clinical)
PubMed 35661968 · doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105202
What was done
A preregistered online dyadic diary study followed 384 heterosexual couples to evaluate whether men notice within-cycle fertility cues in female partners (measured via partner attractiveness, sexual desire, or desire for contact with others) and whether men exhibit mid-cycle increases in mate retention tactics (jealousy, attention, desire for partner contact, or sexual desire toward their partner).
What was found
The abstract reports no compelling evidence that men detect their partner's fertility status or that they show mid-cycle increases in mate retention tactics across the examined dimensions. The abstract provides no specific numerical values, effect sizes, or confidence intervals.
Why it matters
These findings challenge evolutionary psychology theories proposing that men have evolved psychological adaptations to detect female ovulatory status and selectively deploy mate retention behaviors during peak fertility.
Limits
The abstract does not specify how female cycle phases or ovulation were biologically verified (e.g., hormonal assays versus self-reported calendar tracking). Relying on daily subjective online self-reports introduces potential reporting bias, and the sample was restricted to heterosexual couples willing to complete intensive diary surveys.
Cited by
- supports Unlike many other animal species that have overt estrus signals, humans conceal their ovulation.