Study results: attractiveness and questionable behaviors

Significant increase in the attractiveness of unconventional activities and partners (older women, etc.)

In a state of arousal, the students found a wide variety of sexual activities and partners much more attractive than they had rejected in a calm state.

For example, the attractiveness of older women or activities considered taboo increased by up to 72%.

Greater acceptance of morally questionable behaviors (getting a partner drunk, lying to get sex, etc.)

The most alarming result was the change in moral judgment.

In a state of arousal, the students were much more willing to accept very morally questionable behaviors.

This included getting a woman drunk, lying to her saying they loved her just to get sex, and even the possibility of drugging her without her consent (known as date rape).

The alarming 136% increase in the acceptance of these behaviors

The willingness to engage in these immoral behaviors increased, on average, an astonishing 136% when participants were aroused.

This shows that sexual arousal not only increases desire, but can also temporarily turn off our moral brakes.

The ''Brain Hijacking'' of Sexual Arousal

These results suggest that sexual arousal may cause a kind of ''brain hijacking,'' similar to amygdala hijacking.

The intense biological drive overrides the prefrontal cortex's ability to make rational, moral decisions.

The focus is overwhelmingly on immediate gratification, and ethical considerations take a backseat.

Summary

When aroused, st