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Csajbók Z, Štěrbová Z, Brewer G, Cândea CA, De Backer CJS, Fernández AM, Fisher ML, Garcia JR, Kruger DJ, Massar K, Oberzaucher E, Quintelier KJP, van Geffen RE, Valentova JV, Varella MAC, Jonason PK. Individual Differences in How Desirable People Think They Are as a Mate. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2475-2490. [PMID: 37154879 PMCID: PMC10501943 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02601-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Mate value is an important concept in mate choice research although its operationalization and understanding are limited. Here, we reviewed and evaluated previously established conceptual and methodological approaches measuring mate value and presented original research using individual differences in how people view themselves as a face-valid proxy for mate value in long- and short-term contexts. In data from 41 nations (N = 3895, Mage = 24.71, 63% women, 47% single), we tested sex, age, and relationship status effects on self-perceived mate desirability, along with individual differences in the Dark Triad traits, life history strategies, peer-based comparison of desirability, and self-reported mating success. Both sexes indicated more short-term than long-term mate desirability; however, men reported more long-term mate desirability than women, whereas women reported more short-term mate desirability than men. Further, individuals who were in a committed relationship felt more desirable than those who were not. Concerning the cross-sectional stability of mate desirability across the lifespan, in men, short- and long-term desirability rose to the age of 40 and 50, respectively, and decreased afterward. In women, short-term desirability rose to the age of 38 and decreased afterward, whereas long-term desirability remained stable over time. Our results suggest that measuring long- and short-term self-perceived mate desirability reveals predictable correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Csajbók
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Gayle Brewer
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel J Kruger
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karlijn Massar
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Katinka J P Quintelier
- School of Business and Economics, Management and Organisation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Peter K Jonason
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 12, 35131, Padua, PD, Italy.
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland.
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Harrington AG, Overall NC. Women's attractiveness contingent self-esteem, romantic rejection, and body dissatisfaction. Body Image 2021; 39:77-89. [PMID: 34175783 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The centrality of attractiveness to social evaluations of women puts women at particular risk of body dissatisfaction. However, it is less clear who these social standards most affect and the situations in which they are most salient. Women whose self-esteem is more contingent on standards of attractiveness (ACSE) should be particularly vulnerable to body dissatisfaction, particularly in contexts that provide negative attractiveness-relevant feedback such as romantic rejection. The current research tested whether women higher in ACSE experienced greater body dissatisfaction in the context of naturally-occurring experiences of romantic rejection. In Study 1, women (N = 168) identified and recalled a range of prior rejection experiences and reported their body dissatisfaction. Women higher in ACSE recalled greater body dissatisfaction in the context of romantic rejection. In Study 2, women (N = 101) recorded daily experiences of romantic rejection and body dissatisfaction (N = 885 daily records). Women higher in ACSE experienced greater within-person increases in body dissatisfaction on days they reported romantic rejection. The results emphasize the relevance of romantic rejection for understanding women's body dissatisfaction and help explain inconsistencies in the literature by illustrating that higher ACSE is associated with greater body dissatisfaction in contexts that provide negative attractiveness-related feedback.
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Charlot NH, Balzarini RN, Campbell LJ. The Association Between Romantic Rejection and Change in Ideal Standards, Ideal Flexibility, and Self-Perceived Mate Value. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/1864-9335/a000392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Research has shown that ideal romantic standards predict future partner characteristics and influence existing relationships, but how standards develop and change among single individuals has yet to be explored. Guided by the Ideal Standards Model (ISM), the present study sought to determine whether repeated experiences of romantic rejection and acceptance over time were associated with change in ideal standards, ideal flexibility, and self-perceived mate value ( N = 208). Results suggest repeated experiences of rejection correspond to decreases in ideal standards and self-perceived mate value and increases in ideal flexibility, though no effects emerged for acceptance. Given the predictive nature of ideal standards and the link rejection has with such, findings from this study contribute to a greater understanding of relationship formation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolyn H. Charlot
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lorne J. Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Self-esteem as an adaptive sociometer of mating success: Evaluating evidence of sex-specific psychological design across 10 world regions. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Mu W, Schoenleber M, Leon AC, Berenbaum H. Body Image Distortion Following Social Rejection or Acceptance Cues. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2019.38.5.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Body image has been shown to be subject to explicit, body-related feedback influences, yet little attention has been paid to subtle feedback about overall social acceptability. The current study tested competing hypotheses regarding women's body image after being primed with cued social rejection or acceptance. Whereas sociometer theory predicts that women will perceive their bodies more negatively following a social rejection prime, self-enhancement theory predicts the opposite. Method: A total of 105 female undergraduate students underwent a conditioning procedure in which distinctive tones were paired with signs of social rejection or acceptance. After this, body distortion (measured by a participant-adjusted virtual image), self-reported body satisfaction and affect were measured, while one of the tones sounded repeatedly in the background. Results: Compared with the acceptance condition, rejection condition participants reported greater state negative affect, F(1, 103) = 4.41, p = .04, greater state positive affect, F(1, 103) = 5.52, p = .02, and perceived their bodies as being smaller, F(1, 103) = 6.53, p = .01, consistent with the expectations of self-enhancement theory. Discussion: Implications of these findings are discussed regarding improved understanding of body image disturbance as well as development of novel clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Mu
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Csajbók Z, Havlíček J, Demetrovics Z, Berkics M. Self-Perceived Mate Value Is Poorly Predicted by Demographic Variables. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 17:1474704919829037. [PMID: 30816069 PMCID: PMC10481051 DOI: 10.1177/1474704919829037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mate value is a construct that can be measured in various ways, ranging from complex but difficult-to-obtain ratings all the way to single-item self-report measures. Due to low sample sizes in previous studies, little is known about the relationship between mate value and demographic variables. In this article, we tested the Mate Value Scale, a relatively new, short, 4-item self-report measure in two large samples. In the first sample of over 1,000, mostly college-age participants, the scale was found to be reliable and correlated with criterion variables in expected ways. In the second, larger sample, which included over 21,000 participants, we have tested for differences across demographics. Contrary to theoretical expectations and previous findings with smaller samples, the differences were either very small (sexual orientation, age, education) or small (sex, socioeconomic status, relationship status) in terms of their effect size. This suggests that the scale is not measuring "objective" mate value (as understood either in terms of fitness or actual mating decisions by potential partners on the "market"), but a self-perception of it, open to social comparison, relative standards, possibly even biases, raising questions about measuring self-perceived versus objective mate value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Csajbók
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Havlíček
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Berkics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Zhang L, Liu S, Li Y, Ruan LJ. Heterosexual Rejection and Mate Choice: A Sociometer Perspective. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1846. [PMID: 26648898 PMCID: PMC4665087 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies about the effects of social rejection on individuals' social behaviors have produced mixed results and tend to study mating behaviors from a static point of view. However, mate selection in essence is a dynamic process, and therefore sociometer theory opens up a new perspective for studying mating and its underlying practices. Based on this theory and using self-perceived mate value in the relationship between heterosexual rejection and mate choice as a mediating role, this current study examined the effects of heterosexual rejection on mate choice in two experiments. Results showed that heterosexual rejection significantly reduced self-perceived mate value, expectation, and behavioral tendencies, while heterosexual acceptance indistinctively increased these measures. Self-perceived mate value did not serve as a mediator in the relationship between heterosexual rejection and mate expectation, but it mediated the relationship between heterosexual rejection and mating behavior tendencies toward potential objects. Moreover, individuals evaded both rejection and irrelevant people when suffering from rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo UniversityNingbo, China
- Social Cognition and Behavior Laboratory, Ningbo UniversityNingbo, China
| | - Shen Liu
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo UniversityNingbo, China
- Social Cognition and Behavior Laboratory, Ningbo UniversityNingbo, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo UniversityNingbo, China
- Social Cognition and Behavior Laboratory, Ningbo UniversityNingbo, China
| | - Lu-Jun Ruan
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo UniversityNingbo, China
- Social Cognition and Behavior Laboratory, Ningbo UniversityNingbo, China
- Zhejiang Agricultural Business CollegeShaoxing, China
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Szücs A, Schindler S, Reinhard MA, Stahlberg D. When Being a Bad Friend Doesn’t Hurt. SWISS JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1024/1421-0185/a000128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Research on domain-specific sociometer theory suggests that individual mate value has a great influence on self-esteem. In this study (N = 124), we investigated the notion that perceived high gender typicality increases one’s perceived mate value and thus counteracts the usual decline in state self-esteem following negative feedback. The participants completed a fictitious personality test to assess their individual quality as a friend and received bogus negative feedback. Depending on the experimental condition, participants received a test score close to the mean test score attained by their own or the opposite gender and thus either gender-typical or gender-atypical. Additionally, we included a control condition in which no feedback was given. The results showed that participants in the gender-atypical condition reported lower state self-esteem than did participants in the gender-typical condition or the control condition. This buffer effect was mediated by perceived mate value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Szücs
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simon Schindler
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, University of Kassel, Germany
| | - Marc-André Reinhard
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, University of Kassel, Germany
| | - Dagmar Stahlberg
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Mannheim, Germany
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Bale C, Archer J. Self-perceived attractiveness, romantic desirability and self-esteem: a mating sociometer perspective. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2013; 11:68-84. [PMID: 23353113 PMCID: PMC10480979 DOI: 10.1177/147470491301100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Sociometer theory proposes that self-esteem is an adaptation which evolved to monitor and regulate interpersonal relationships. It is therefore sensitive to self-assessments in domains relevant to relational desirability. Positive relationships between self-perceived physical attractiveness and self-esteem found in previous studies may reflect the functioning of a mating sociometer, designed to monitor individuals' desirability as romantic or sexual partners. We thus predicted that these relationships should be mediated by self-perceptions of romantic desirability, or more specifically, individuals' confidence in their abilities to successfully establish and maintain romantic relationships. Two hundred and eighty seven young adults (98 male) completed an online measure of self-perceived attractiveness, together with measures of self-confidence in appearance and romantic relationships, body-esteem and global self-esteem. Linear regression analyses indicated that self-perceived attractiveness, self-confidence in appearance and body-esteem all significantly predicted self-esteem, and that in each case, the relationship was mediated by romantic self-confidence. Self-perceived attractiveness predicted self-esteem significantly more strongly in females than in males. We discuss these results in relation to sociometer and parental investment theories, and explore limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bale
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.
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Cockshaw WD, Shochet IM, Obst PL. General Belongingness, Workplace Belongingness, and Depressive Symptoms. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wendell David Cockshaw
- Queensland University of Technology; School of Psychology and Counselling; Kelvin Grove; Queensland; Australia
| | - Ian M. Shochet
- Queensland University of Technology; School of Psychology and Counselling; Kelvin Grove; Queensland; Australia
| | - Patricia L. Obst
- Queensland University of Technology; School of Psychology and Counselling; Kelvin Grove; Queensland; Australia
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