Risk taking and Women’s Menstrual Cycle: Near Ovulation, Women Avoid a Doubtful Man

Abstract

Studies using surveys in which risk taking behaviors were measured show a decrease in risk taking during the ovulatory phase of the women’s menstrual cycle. In this study, the distance between a woman and a shady confederate was measured in a waiting room. Then, a LH test was done in order to measure the participant’s fertility risk. Results showed that near ovulation, participants sat further away from the confederate, revealing that women in their fertile phase displayed behavior to decrease the risk of sexual assault.