Subscribe
The latest psychology and neuroscience discoveries.
My Account
  • Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • About
No Result
View All Result
PsyPost
PsyPost
No Result
View All Result
Home Exclusive Evolutionary Psychology

Nipple erection influences perceptions of women’s intelligence, morality, and sexuality

by Eric W. Dolan
February 3, 2023
in Evolutionary Psychology, Social Psychology
Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Stay informed on the latest psychology and neuroscience research—follow PsyPost on LinkedIn for daily updates and insights.

New research published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences provides evidence that women with erect nipples are perceived as less intelligent, less moral, and more promiscuous. The findings indicate that nipple erection triggers sexualization and objectification by those who observe it.

Nipple erection, also known as nipple hardening or nipple engorgement, is an involuntary physical response in which the nipples become firm due to the contraction of small muscles in the area and increased blood flow. It is a normal response that can occur in both males and females in response to various stimuli, such as cold temperatures or stimulation. Understanding how nipple erection influences perceptions of women can help to shed light on the impact of physical cues on sexualization.

“There have been references to nipple erection in pop culture in the past (like Sex and the City) and products like nipple masking tape or even fake nipples,” said study author Rebecca Burch, a full professor at the State University of New York at Oswego.

“All of these have implied that erect nipples attract (either wanted or unwanted) sexual interest. Yet, nipple erection is involuntary and caused by a number of factors. David Widman and I wanted to study how people perceive nipple erection and if it causes them to treat the person differently. We have done a series of studies on the topic – this is number three, but more studies are in progress.”

In the new study, 234 participants viewed 12 photos in randomized order. The photos consisted of 6 women with visibly erect nipples and 6 women without visibly erect nipples. (All the women were fully clothed.) After viewing each photo, the participants were asked to respond to questions such as “How likely is she to cheat on her partner,” “How intelligent is she,” and “How often do you think she engages in one night stands?”

The researchers found that women with visibly erect nipples were perceived as as less intelligent, less moral, and more likely to engage in sexual behaviors (such as fellatio) compared to their concealed counterparts. Male participants perceived all women in the photos as less intelligent, less moral, and of lower sexual health than female participants, while female participants rated women with visibly erect nipples as having lower quality relationships and as more sexually manipulative than men did.

“The major finding is that even though nipple erection can be caused by other factors, men and women perceive nipple erection (in this study, female nipple erection) as a sign of increased sexuality,” Burch told PsyPost. “They then make assumptions about that woman’s behavior and interests, and then make decisions about how they will treat her. In sum, both men and women sexually objectify women with nipple erection, and while men want to be involved with them, women want to avoid them.”

In their previous work, Burch and Widman have found that men perceived women with erect nipples as more deserving of help compared to the same women without erect nipples. This was particularly true when the help involved greater interaction with the woman in question. On the other hand, nipple erection made female participants less willing to include the woman in their social circle.

“In our series of studies, we have found that when men see women with nipple erection, they think she is sexier, they think they are sexier, they think she is more sexual and less intelligent and moral, they want to do things for her, and they want to spend time with her,” Burch explained. “When women see other women with nipple erection, they see the woman as sexier, they have negative feelings about themselves, they think she is more sexual and less intelligent and moral, and they do not want to do things for her or spend time with her.”

But when it comes to the psychology of nipple erection, researchers have only scratched the surface.

“There still many questions to be addressed, like how people view men with nipple erection, or how other cultures view nipple erection,” Burch said. “So far, all of our studies have been conducted in the United States. Other cultures have different experiences with nudity, climate, and sexuality that could shift their perceptions. We are working on these questions now.”

“I think these findings make it clear that people make a lot of very quick judgments and decisions about others; in this case, based on an involuntary reflex that could be caused by several factors. Perhaps people need to be more self-aware regarding the basis of their snap judgments.”

The study was titled: “The Point of Nipple Erection 3: Sexual and Social Expectations of Women With Nipple Erection“.

TweetSendScanShareSendPin1ShareShareShareShareShare

RELATED

New psychology study sheds light on mysterious “feelings of presence” during isolation
Political Psychology

People who think “everyone agrees with me” are more likely to support populism

July 1, 2025

People who wrongly believe that most others share their political views are more likely to support populist ideas, according to a new study. These false beliefs can erode trust in democratic institutions and fuel resentment toward political elites.

Read moreDetails
New psychology study sheds light on mysterious “feelings of presence” during isolation
Attractiveness

What is the most attractive body fat percentage for men? New research offers an answer

July 1, 2025

What makes a man’s body attractive? A new international study explored this question using body scans and evolutionary models—testing which physical traits matter most. The results challenge some popular assumptions about leanness, muscle, and what people really prefer.

Read moreDetails
New psychology study sheds light on mysterious “feelings of presence” during isolation
Evolutionary Psychology

New psychology study sheds light on mysterious “feelings of presence” during isolation

July 1, 2025

New research suggests our brains may be wired to expect danger in the dark. The study found that sensory deprivation and uncertainty often trigger a disturbing feeling of presence—perhaps an ancient survival response to unseen threats in our environment.

Read moreDetails
Researchers identify neural mechanism behind memory prioritization
Social Psychology

People who are more likely to die seem to care less about the future

June 30, 2025

Individuals with higher mortality risk—as judged by actuarial life insurance data—tend to care less about long-term consequences. They show more impulsivity and less future planning, consistent with evolutionary theories that link time horizon to environmental and internal health cues.

Read moreDetails
Scientists show how you’re unknowingly sealing yourself in an information bubble
Cognitive Science

Scientists show how you’re unknowingly sealing yourself in an information bubble

June 29, 2025

Scientists have found that belief polarization doesn’t always come from misinformation or social media bubbles. Instead, it often begins with a simple search. Our choice of words—and the algorithm’s response—can subtly seal us inside our own informational comfort zones.

Read moreDetails
Radical leaders inspire stronger devotion because they make followers feel significant, study finds
Political Psychology

Radical leaders inspire stronger devotion because they make followers feel significant, study finds

June 28, 2025

A new study finds that voters are more motivated by radical political leaders than moderates, because supporting bold causes makes them feel personally significant—driving greater activism, sacrifice, and long-term engagement across elections in the United States and Poland.

Read moreDetails
Openness to sugar relationships tied to short-term mating, not life history strategy
Evolutionary Psychology

Openness to sugar relationships tied to short-term mating, not life history strategy

June 28, 2025

Sugar relationships may be more about sexual attitudes than survival strategies. A new study shows people drawn to these arrangements tend to favor short-term mating, while early-life unpredictability plays only a small role—especially for men.

Read moreDetails
New psychology research uncovers surprisingly consistent misjudgments of tattooed individuals
Social Psychology

New psychology research uncovers surprisingly consistent misjudgments of tattooed individuals

June 28, 2025

New research finds that while people often agree on what a tattoo says about someone’s personality, those judgments are usually wrong. The study reveals a consistent gap between how tattoos are perceived and the actual personalities of their wearers.

Read moreDetails

SUBSCRIBE

Go Ad-Free! Click here to subscribe to PsyPost and support independent science journalism!

STAY CONNECTED

LATEST

Ketogenic diet raises brain blood flow by 22% and BDNF by 47% in new study

Small folds in the brain may hold key insights into Alzheimer’s and aging-related cognitive decline

New research suggests interparental conflict can spill over into a mother’s parenting style

Creativity in autism may stem from co-occurring ADHD, not autism itself

Cannabis oil might help with drug-resistant epilepsy, study suggests

New brain stimulation method shows promise for treating mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders

Peppermint tea boosts memory and attention—but why?

Psychedelic compound blurs boundary between self and others in the brain, study finds

         
       
  • Contact us
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms and Conditions
[Do not sell my information]

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

Subscribe
  • My Account
  • Cognitive Science Research
  • Mental Health Research
  • Social Psychology Research
  • Drug Research
  • Relationship Research
  • About PsyPost
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy