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

Gynandromorph research offers insight into the complexities of male sexual attraction
Sexism

Eye-tracking study shows people fixate longer on female aggressors than male ones

June 23, 2025

People pay more visual attention to female aggressors than male ones, but do not consistently judge their actions as more intentional or blameworthy, suggesting that female aggression is seen as unexpected rather than more morally significant.

Read moreDetails
Breakups can trigger trauma in emerging adults
Relationships and Sexual Health

Romantic breakups follow a two-stage decline that begins years before the split, study finds

June 23, 2025

A new study shows that romantic relationships often begin to unravel one to two years before they officially end. Researchers found a two-phase pattern of decline in satisfaction that could help identify when relationships are heading for a breakup.

Read moreDetails
It’s not digital illiteracy: Here’s why older adults are drawn to dubious news
Social Media

Believing “news will find me” is linked to sharing fake news, study finds

June 22, 2025

People who rely on social media to “stumble upon” news are more prone to spreading misinformation, according to a new longitudinal study.

Read moreDetails
Babies in the womb exposed to two languages hear speech differently when born
Evolutionary Psychology

Almost all unmarried pregant women say that the fetus resembles the father, study finds

June 22, 2025

A new study suggests that pregnant women are more likely to claim their fetus resembles the father, even during early ultrasounds when no real resemblance is visible. The behavior may be an evolved strategy to reduce paternity uncertainty and secure investment.

Read moreDetails
Political ambivalence has a surprising relationship with support for violence
Authoritarianism

New study sheds light on the psychological roots of collective violence

June 21, 2025

A new study from Lebanon finds that people with authoritarian beliefs tend to oppose violence against political leaders, while those high in social dominance orientation are more likely to support violence against rival group members.

Read moreDetails
Scientists observe reduced emotional distress in children living near greenery
Racism and Discrimination

Adults’ beliefs about children and race shift when a child’s race is specified, study finds

June 21, 2025

Specifying a child’s race alters how adults perceive their awareness of race and racism, according to new research. Black children are viewed as less “color-evasive” and more racially aware at earlier ages than White children or generic “children.”

Read moreDetails
Study helps untangle the complicated relationship between psychopathy and emotional awareness
Psychopathy

Psychopathic individuals recognize unfairness but are less likely to punish it

June 21, 2025

A new study shows that individuals with higher psychopathic traits are less likely to punish unfair behavior, especially when it costs them personally. The research suggests self-interest, not a lack of moral understanding, drives their reluctance to enforce social norms.

Read moreDetails
The neuroscience of why we cry happy tears
Social Psychology

The neuroscience of why we cry happy tears

June 20, 2025

Why do people cry happy tears? Neuroscience suggests these emotional outbursts occur when the brain becomes overwhelmed by joy, nostalgia, or relief. Far from being irrational, crying during joyful moments helps restore balance and deepen human connection.

Read moreDetails

SUBSCRIBE

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

STAY CONNECTED

LATEST

Exposure to heavy metals is associated with higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis

Eye-tracking study shows people fixate longer on female aggressors than male ones

Romantic breakups follow a two-stage decline that begins years before the split, study finds

Believing “news will find me” is linked to sharing fake news, study finds

A common parasite not only invades the brain — it can also decapitate human sperm

Almost all unmarried pregant women say that the fetus resembles the father, study finds

New neuroscience research reveals brain antioxidant deficit in depression

Scientists uncover kidney-to-brain route for Parkinson’s-related protein spread

         
       
  • 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