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Yong JC, Tan YW, Li NP, Meltzer AL. Testing the Mate Preference Priority Model with the Profile-Based Experimental Paradigm: A Replication and Extension. J Pers 2021; 90:821-845. [PMID: 34967440 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although the mate preference priority model (MPPM; Li et al., 2002) has advanced our understanding of mate preferences, tests of the MPPM have relied on methods using text labels and thus lack ecological validity. We address this gap by testing the MPPM using Townsend and colleagues' (1990a; 1990b; 1993) profile-based experimental paradigm, which utilizes profiles comprising photos of pre-rated models to manipulate physical attractiveness as well as costumes and descriptions to manipulate social status. METHOD Using Singaporean samples, we conducted two studies (Study 1 n = 431, Study 2 n = 964) where participants judged the short-term and long-term mating desirability of opposite-sex profiles varying systematically on physical attractiveness and social status. We also tested whether treating these attributes as ordinal or continuous variables would be more valid. RESULTS Results showed broad support for evolutionary predictions of mate preferences and priorities while revealing an increased premium placed on social status in our sample. We also found that continuous operationalizations produced less inflated results. CONCLUSIONS The current research provides the first non-label, profile-based test of the MPPM, a well-powered replication of the profile-based paradigm, and an opportunity to observe the robustness and variations of mate preferences in a non-Western culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose C Yong
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST
| | - Yi Wen Tan
- School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, Singapore University of Social Sciences, 463 Clementi Road, Singapore, 599494
| | - Norman P Li
- School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, 90 Stamford Road, Singapore, 178903
| | - Andrea L Meltzer
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W Call St, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
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March E, Grieve R. Social‐economic theory and short‐term mate preferences: The effects of gender roles and socioeconomic status. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ajpy.12102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Evita March
- School of Health Science and Psychology, Federation University, Churchill, Victoria, Australia,
| | - Rachel Grieve
- Psychology Department, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia,
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O'Garo KGN, Morgan KAD, Hill LK, Reid P, Simpson D, Lee H, Edwards CL. Internalization of Western Ideals on Appearance and Self-Esteem in Jamaican Undergraduate Students. Cult Med Psychiatry 2020; 44:249-262. [PMID: 31617042 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-019-09652-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Beauty ideals in the Caribbean are shifting with increased exposure to Western and European standards of appearance. Previous research has shown a consistent link between internalization of Western beauty ideals and depressive symptoms and other forms of psychological disturbance among diverse populations including Caribbeans. We examined the association between internalization of Western beauty ideals and depressive symptoms as well as the potential mediating role of self-esteem on this relation in N = 222 students (155 females, 79 males) attending a tertiary institution in Kingston, Jamaica. Internalization of Western ideals was inversely associated with self-esteem (r =- .35, p < .01) and positively associated with depressive symptoms (r =.13, p < .05). In a model adjusted for age and sex, results revealed a significant indirect effect of internalization of Western ideals of appearance on depressive symptoms via self-esteem (estimate= .21, SE = .05, 95% confidence interval [.13, .32]). The potent effects of culture must be better understood as intercontinental travel becomes less important as a mechanism for cultural exposure and exchange, and there is a significant increase of digital and internet access in the Caribbean. The current study suggest that Caribbeans are at significant risk for internalizing Western ideals of beauty, subsequently diminishing their self-esteem, and ultimately increasing depression symptomatology. The benefits and consequences of cultural exchange should continue to be a topic for research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisha-Gaye N O'Garo
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, 4309 Medical Park Dr., Durham, NC, 27704, USA.
| | | | - LaBarron K Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, 4309 Medical Park Dr., Durham, NC, 27704, USA.,Center for Biobehavioral Health Disparities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Heather Lee
- University of West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Christopher L Edwards
- North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA.,NCCU Integrated Health and Wellness Clinic, Durham, NC, USA
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Jonason PK, Antoon CN. Mate preferences for educated partners: Similarities and differences in the sexes depend on mating context. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Jonason PK, Marsh K, Dib O, Plush D, Doszpot M, Fung E, Crimmins K, Drapski M, Di Pietro K. Is smart sexy? Examining the role of relative intelligence in mate preferences. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.11.009] [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: 10/27/2022]
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Eastwick PW, Smith LK. Sex-differentiated effects of physical attractiveness on romantic desire: a highly powered, preregistered study in a photograph evaluation context. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/23743603.2018.1425089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul W. Eastwick
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Leigh K. Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Zhuang JY, Ji X, Zhao Z, Fan M, Li NP. The neural basis of human female mate copying: An empathy-based social learning process. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Tskhay KO, Clout JM, Rule NO. The Impact of Health, Wealth, and Attractiveness on Romantic Evaluation from Photographs of Faces. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:2365-2376. [PMID: 28255792 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-0963-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A large literature suggests that men and women differ in their self-reported mate preferences such that men place greater weight on physical attractiveness than women do, whereas women value financial prospects more than men. Yet, little research has addressed how these differences generalize to other contexts, such as modern online dating in which mate selection may largely depend on visual cues. Distinct from the sex differences observed in previous studies relying on self-reports, we found that men and women both used perceptions of health and attractiveness to select hypothetical partners based on photographs of their faces. Importantly, although people reliably identified others' wealth from their photographs, these perceptions did not influence men's or women's partner selections. Thus, men and women may select romantic partners similarly based on limited visual information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin O Tskhay
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada.
| | - Jerri M Clout
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Nicholas O Rule
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
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Pair-Bonded Relationships and Romantic Alternatives. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aesp.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Townsend JM, Wasserman TH, Rosenthal A. Gender difference in emotional reactions and sexual coercion in casual sexual relations: An evolutionary perspective. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Turan B, Guo J, Boggiano MM, Bedgood D. Dominant, cold, avoidant, and lonely: Basal testosterone as a biological marker for an interpersonal style. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kruger DJ. Social and Environmental Conditions Intensifying Male Competition for Resources, Status, and Mates Lead to Increased Male Mortality. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0314-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
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Eastwick PW. The Psychology of the Pair-Bond: Past and Future Contributions of Close Relationships Research to Evolutionary Psychology. PSYCHOLOGICAL INQUIRY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/1047840x.2013.816927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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It is not all about the Benjamins: Understanding preferences for mates with resources. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2011.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Townsend JM, Wasserman TH. Sexual hookups among college students: sex differences in emotional reactions. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2011; 40:1173-81. [PMID: 21975920 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-011-9841-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to test four predictions derived from evolutionary (sexual strategies) theory. The central hypothesis was that men and women possess different emotional mechanisms that motivate and evaluate sexual activities. Consequently, even when women express indifference to emotional involvement and commitment and voluntarily engage in casual sexual relations, their goals, their feelings about the experience, and the associations between their sexual behavior and prospects for long-term investment differ significantly from those of men. Women's sexual behavior is associated with their perception of investment potential: long-term, short-term, and partners' ability and willingness to invest. For men,these associations are weaker or inversed. Regression analyses of survey data from 333 male and 363 female college students revealed the following: Greater permissiveness of sexual attitudes was positively associated with number of sex partners; this association was not moderated by sex of subject (Prediction 1); even when women deliberately engaged in casual sexual relations, thoughts that expressed worry and vulnerability crossed their minds; for females, greater number of partners was associated with increased worry-vulnerability whereas for males the trend was the opposite (Prediction 2); with increasing numbers of sex partners, marital thoughts decreased; this finding was not moderated by sex of subject; this finding did not support Prediction 3; for both males and females, greater number of partners was related to larger numbers of one-night stands, partners foreseen in the next 5 years, and deliberately casual sexual relations. This trend was significantly stronger for males than for females (Prediction 4).
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Stanik CE, Ellsworth PC. Who Cares About Marrying a Rich Man? Intelligence and Variation in Women’s Mate Preferences. HUMAN NATURE 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s12110-010-9089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kruger DJ, Fisher ML. Women's Life History Attributes are Associated with Preferences in Mating Relationships. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2008. [DOI: 10.1177/147470490800600206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Life history theory (LHT) is a powerful framework for examining relationship choices and other behavioral strategies which integrates evolutionary, ecological, and socio-developmental perspectives. We examine the relationship between psychological and behavioral indicators of women's life history attributes and hypothetical relationship choices with characters representing short-term and long-term male sexual strategies. We demonstrate that psychological indicators of women's life history strategies are related to predicted and actual behaviors in mating relationships. Women with insecure attachment styles, especially those with negative evaluations of both themselves and others (fearful attachment), were more likely to consider men with attributes indicating short-term mating strategies for short-term and long-term relationships than women with a secure attachment style. Women with relatively unrestricted sociosexuality were more likely to predict they would have sexual affairs with men in general, with the tendency being generally stronger when considering men with attributes indicating short-term mating strategies. Those who scored high on self-monitoring were also more likely to predict having sexual affairs and short-term relationships with these men. These and other findings demonstrate the usefulness of a life history approach for understanding women's relationship choices.
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Too good to be ‘true’? The handicap of high socio-economic status in attractive males. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2006.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Vigil JM, Geary DC, Byrd-Craven J. Trade-offs in low-income women’s mate preferences. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2006; 17:319-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s12110-006-1012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2005] [Revised: 05/18/2005] [Accepted: 06/20/2005] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Kruger DJ, Fisher ML. Males identify and respond adaptively to the mating strategies of other men. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1080/14616660500235898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Penton-Voak IS, Perrett DI. Male facial attractiveness: Perceived personality and shifting female preferences for male traits across the menstrual cycle. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-3454(01)80008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Townsend JM. Sex without emotional involvement: an evolutionary interpretation of sex differences. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 1995; 24:173-206. [PMID: 7794107 DOI: 10.1007/bf01541580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Two samples of male (n = 243) and female (n = 298) college students completed sexual surveys, and in-depth, oral interviews were conducted with 28 highly sexually active female college students. Findings supported five predictions derived from evolutionary (parental-investment) theory. Even when females voluntarily engaged in low-investment copulation, coitus typically caused them to feel emotionally vulnerable, and to have thoughts expressing anxiety about partners' willingness to invest. For females, increasing numbers of partners correlated positively with the incidence of these feelings and thoughts; for males, these correlations were negative. Females' attempts to continue regular coitus when they desired more investment than partners were willing to give produced feelings of distress, degradation, and exploitation despite acceptance of liberal sexual morality. Increasing numbers of partners did not mitigate these reactions in females and may exacerbate them. Multiple-partner females developed techniques for dealing with their emotional reactions to low-investment copulation: They frequently tested their partners for signs of ability and willingness to invest (e.g., dominance, prowess, jealousy, nurturance), and they limited or terminated sexual relations when they perceived partners' investment as inadequate. Results were consistent with the view that the emotional-motivational mechanisms that mediate sexual arousal and attraction are sexually dimorphic.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Townsend
- Department of Anthropology, Syracuse University, New York 13244-1200, USA
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