Intrasexual Envy, Jealousy, and Competitiveness Are Associated With Height and Height Dissatisfaction

Height is a fundamental variable in intersexual selection and intrasexual competition. Taller men are rated as more desirable and formidable as romantic partners and rivals, respectively, than shorter ones. In this study (N_MTurk = 302; 63% male), we focused on the latter and examined individual differences in (a) intrasexual competition, (b) self-reported height in centimeters, and (c) perceptions of one’s height. We found that (a) shorter people, men in particular, scored higher on intrasexual envy, jealousy, and competitiveness; (b) those who had a shorter ideal height, men in particular, scored higher on intrasexual envy and jealousy; (c) both sexes with a greater desire to be taller were more intrasexually competitive regardless of the aspect of intrasexual competitiveness; and (d) those who were shorter or reported shorter ideal heights and desired to be taller scored higher on intrasexual jealousy and competitiveness. We replicated effects about body image and intrasexual competition and link, for the first time that we are aware of, individual differences in height and attitudes therein with individual differences in intrasexual competitiveness.