Research shows that just looking at a sexy female makes males more likely to indulge in “physical risk-taking” even if it ends in embarrassing failure or injury.
The change in behaviour is triggered by a surge in levels of testosterone, say psychologists at the University of Queensland, Australia.
The team used male and female observers to watch young male skateboarders in action and found they took more risks when they were watched by an attractive female.
Tests showed they had “elevated testosterone levels” when an attractive woman was near.
Professor Bill von Hippel, who led the study, said it was “sexual display strategy” aimed at impressing a potential mate and intimidating rivals. But he warned that showing off to girls could be risky if it involved dangerous driving or aggression.