Women were not attracted to men who bungee jump

Men thought the opposite sex would be attracted by risky stunts such as bungee jumping and fast driving, a study of 48 men and 52 women found.

But in contrast, women said it was a turn-off, claiming they preferred more cautious people for partners.

However, the team from the University of Maine in Orono said those who took risks for the thrill were likely to be respected by fellow men.

Lead researcher Dr William Farthing said: "Men thought women would be impressed by pointless gambles, but women in fact preferred cautious men."

However, Dr Farthing said women were attracted to men with a high-status, so if the risk-taking meant a man was respected by his friends they could then become attractive.

Social norms are important and our society attaches importance to men expressing their macho qualities Dr David Lewis, of the British Psychological Society

During the research, reported in New Scientist magazine, the young people were all given a series of scenarios to choose from, including saving someone's life and fast driving.

The participants were asked to decide which they found more attractive.

The majority of women choose an altruistic action, rather than a thrill-seeking scenario.

Dr David Lewis, a member of the British Psychological Society, said in many ways the findings were not surprising.

"Previous studies have show that women are attracted to someone who acts in an altruistic way. Saving someone's life shows a degree of empathy and sensitivity, and this is an attractive trait in men.

"On the other hand men see risk-taking as a particularly macho characteristic.

"Social norms are important and our society attaches weight to men expressing their macho qualities.

"But I think what you would find is that as men get older, they become less prepared to take risks.