Vocal Parameters of Speech and Singing Covary and Are Related to Vocal Attractiveness, Body Measures, and Sociosexuality: A Cross-Cultural Study

Frontiers in Psychology

article

Jaroslava Varella Valentova¹  Petr Tureček²  Marco Antonio Corrêa Varella¹  Pavel Šebesta³  Francisco Dyonisio C. Mendes⁴  Kamila Janaina Pereira¹  Lydie Kubicová³  Petra Stolařová³  Jan Havlíček² 

[1] Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo;Faculty of Science, Charles University;Faculty of Humanities, Charles University;Department of Basic Psychological Processes, University of Brasília

关键词: human voice;    song;    vocal attractiveness;    fundamental frequency;    sociosexuality;    fitness indicators;    music;    voice modulation;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02029

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Perceived vocal attractiveness and measured sex-dimorphic vocal parameters are both associated with underlying individual qualities. Research tends to focus on speech but singing is another highly evolved communication system that has distinct and universal features with analogs in other species, and it is relevant in mating. Both speaking and singing voice provides relevant information about its producer. We tested whether speech and singing function as “backup signals” that indicate similar underlying qualities. Using a sample of 81 men and 86 women from Brazil and the Czech Republic, we investigated vocal attractiveness rated from speech and singing and its association with fundamental frequency (F0), apparent vocal tract length (VTL), body characteristics, and sociosexuality. F0, VTL, and rated attractiveness of singing and speaking voice strongly correlated within the same individual. Lower-pitched speech in men, higher-pitched speech and singing in women, individuals who like to sing more, and singing of individuals with a higher pitch modulation were perceived as more attractive. In men, physical size positively predicted speech and singing attractiveness. Male speech but not singing attractiveness was associated with higher sociosexuality. Lower-pitched male speech was related to higher sociosexuality, while lower-pitched male singing was linked to lower sociosexuality. Similarly, shorter speech VTL and longer singing VTL predicted higher sociosexuality in women. Different vocal displays function as “backup signals” cueing to attractiveness and body size, but their relation to sexual strategies in men and women differs. Both singing and speech may indicate evolutionarily relevant individual qualities shaped by sexual selection.

【 授权许可】

CC BY