There are a lot of speculations concerning why the stereotypical bad boy appeals so much to women. A study from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) may have found one possible answer. Apparently, everything boils down to hormones. According to researchers, women who are ovulating or near ovulation see men differently, leading them to believe that bad boys have the makings of a good father or are good for long-term relationships.

For the study, researchers asked women to look at the online dating profiles of sexy and reliable men during their high and low fertility days. They were then asked which of the guys would make good fathers. Women who were near ovulation answered that the James Bond types would probably be more helpful.

"Under the hormonal influence of ovulation, women delude themselves into thinking that the sexy bad boys will become devoted partners and better dads," says Kristina Durante, assistant professor of marketing at the UTSA College of Business. "When looking at the sexy cad through ovulation goggles, Mr. Wrong looked exactly like Mr. Right."

In another study, researchers staged an interaction between the women and male actors portraying the roles of "sexy bad boy" and "reliable dad." Once again, this was done during both low and high fertility rates. When asked whether the sexy bad boy would make a good father to someone else's child, the women were quick to point out all his negative traits. When asked about if the sexy bad boy would be a good dad to their own children, however, ovulating women answered yes.

Have you experienced the same thing? Consider this information the next time you find yourself attracted to a bad boy. Just remember that the key to finding a good partner or a good dad for your kids still lies in getting to know the person as thoroughly as possible.

(Screencap of Cry-Baby courtesy of Universal Pictures)