Development and initial validation of the Gay Men's Physical Attractiveness Scale

Young and older gay men from 40 countries rated the importance of 258 body features in judging the physical attractiveness of other men (N = 3,600). Exploratory factor analyses using two separate, independent samples suggested four factors underlying male same-sex physical attractiveness: Facial Attractiveness; Muscularity/Body Shape; Body Fat/Overall Appearance; and Intimate Regions. Twenty items representing the four dimensions were selected. Confirmatory factor analytic models using two other separate, independent samples supported the viability of a hierarchical structure with four first-order attractiveness factors mapping onto a higher-order Attractiveness construct. Responses to the scale exhibited strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability (r = .73 over an average period of 16 weeks). In addition, the hierarchical structure of responses appears to be time- and age-invariant. Results are discussed in the context of evolutionary theory.