Unsatisfied with one's height: exploring the psychology behind height preferences
In the world of human behaviour and social dynamics, height plays a significant role in shaping interactions and perceptions. A new body of research, led by psychologist Daniel Talbot, is shedding light on the psychological construct of height dissatisfaction and its impact on intrasexual competition.
The research, published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences, suggests that shorter men are more likely to display envy, jealousy, and competitiveness. This link is attributed to intrasexual competition, the rivalry among individuals of the same sex for mates, status, and resources. Taller men are perceived as more desirable partners and formidable rivals, leading shorter men to feel disadvantaged and potentially compensate with increased competitive behaviours and emotions.
Interestingly, it's not so much a person's physiological height that matters, but rather how they feel about the gap between their actual and ideal height. This psychological discontent can intensify competitive emotions, driving a greater psychological motivation to compete and exhibit envy or jealousy.
Talbot's research aims to inform strategies for promoting positive body image and mental well-being, particularly among men who may feel marginalized by societal height standards. His work forms part of a broader body of research concerned with body image, a critical factor in overall mental health and well-being.
In a study published in Personality and Individual Differences in 2023, Talbot and his team found that shorter individuals were not only more likely to display the Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) but also expressed a desire to be taller.
Meanwhile, a 2025 study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research examined the outcomes of leg lengthening for aesthetic purposes. The study found that two-thirds of the 760 patients were men, with an average age of 24.75 years. The lengthening achieved ranged from 62 mm to 87 mm, with an average of 67 mm. Common complications included infections, bone healing issues, joint deformities, and material-related complications. However, patient satisfaction rates ranged from 88.8 to 98%, while psychological outcomes showed improvements in body image and self-esteem.
The rise of social media and dating apps has also been a focus of Talbot's recent research. Studies are probing how these platforms may amplify height dissatisfaction, further influencing intrasexual competition and the desire for physical enhancement.
In the public eye, height remains a topic of interest. For instance, Tom Cruise, star of the latest Mission: Impossible film, "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning", is reported to be a little over 5'7′′ (170 centimetres). Cruise uses various techniques, such as camera angles, shoe lifts, and positioning, to appear taller on screen.
As our understanding of height dissatisfaction and its impact on behaviour and self-image grows, so too does the potential for positive change. By understanding these psychological dynamics, we can work towards promoting body positivity and mental well-being for all, regardless of height.
- The study published in Personality and Individual Differences in 2023, led by psychologist Daniel Talbot, found that shorter individuals are not only more likely to display the Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) but also expressed a desire to be taller, which might indicate a connection between height dissatisfaction and mental health.
- The findings from the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, published in 2025, suggest that height dissatisfaction can lead to drastic measures, such as leg lengthening surgeries, with two-thirds of the 760 participants being men, indicating a potential link between fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and the desire for physical enhancement.
