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Takayanagi JFGB, Siqueira JDO, Silveira PSP, Valentova JV. What Do Different People Look for in a Partner? Effects of Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Mating Strategies on Partner Preferences. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:981-1000. [PMID: 38413532 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02767-4] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Partner preferences are an important differential in relationship formation and evolutionary fitness, and vary according to individual, ecological, and social factors. In this study, we evaluated the variation in preference for intelligence, kindness, physical attractiveness, health, and socioeconomic level among individuals of different sexes and sexual orientations in a Brazilian sample. We analyzed the preference scores of 778 heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual men and women in three budgeted mate design tasks (low vs. medium vs. high budget) and their association with sociosexuality, attachment styles, homogamy, and willingness to engage in short- and long-term relationships. Results indicated a global trait preference order, with intelligence ranking first, followed by kindness, physical attractiveness, health, and lastly by socioeconomic status. Typical sex differences were observed mostly within the heterosexual group, and specific combinations of sex and sexual orientation were linked to variation in preference for physical attractiveness, kindness, and socioeconomic status. We also found unique associations of the other variables with partner preferences and with willingness to engage in short- or long-term relationships. By exploring the partner preferences of non-heterosexual individuals from a Latin American country, an underrepresented group in evolutionary psychology research, our results help understand the universal and specific factors that guide partner preferences and human sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Francisco Goes Braga Takayanagi
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Sao Paulo, Professor Mello Moraes Avenue 1721, Butanta, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil.
| | - Jose de Oliveira Siqueira
- Department of Legal Medicine, Bioethics, Occupational Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sergio Panse Silveira
- Department of Legal Medicine, Bioethics, Occupational Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Pathology (LIM01-HCFMUSP), Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jaroslava Varella Valentova
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Sao Paulo, Professor Mello Moraes Avenue 1721, Butanta, São Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil
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Albert G, Richardson GB, Arnocky S, Bird BM, Fisher M, Hlay JK, McHale TS, Hodges-Simeon CR. A Psychometric Evaluation of the Intrasexual Competition Scale. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2741-2758. [PMID: 35022911 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Intrasexual Competition Scale (ICS) measures the extent to which individuals view their interaction with same-sex others in competitive terms. Although it is frequently used in studies investigating differences in mating behavior, the factor structure of the ICS has never been confirmed. Researchers have yet to use multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis to test whether the properties of the scale are equivalent between the sexes. In Study 1, we report on an investigation in which participants' responses to the ICS were submitted to exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In Study 2A, we compared the fit of one and two-factor models from the EFA as well as two additional models, using confirmatory factor analysis with an independent sample. The best fit was obtained by a two-factor solution, which reflected: (1) respondents' feelings of frustration when intrasexual competitors are better off (Inferiority Frustration), and (2) respondents' enjoyment of being better than intrasexual competitors (Superiority Enjoyment). This model achieved a high degree of measurement invariance. In Study 2B, we found the ICS had good concurrent validity via associations with sociosexuality, mating effort, and sexual behavior. Together, these analyses suggest that the ICS is a valid measure of intrasexually competitive attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Albert
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, 232 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | | | - Steven Arnocky
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Brian M Bird
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Maryanne Fisher
- Department of Psychology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jessica K Hlay
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, 232 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Timothy S McHale
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, 232 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Anthropology and Museum Studies, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, USA
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Castro FN, Hattori WT, Gaulin SJC, Yamamoto ME, Lopes FDA. Male Mating Expectations in Brazilian and American Samples. Front Psychol 2021; 12:617754. [PMID: 33643146 PMCID: PMC7902785 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate assortative mating based on mate value from male perspective. Male participants (132 Brazilian and 106 American) evaluated hypothetical “stimulus” males described in terms of physical attractiveness, social skills, and social status (each varied in high or low levels). Participants rated each stimulus and each stimulus' preferred mating partner on nine traits. The results showed that (1) positive assortative mating was expected in romantic relationships; (2) the stimulus ratings did not vary independently, suggesting that mate value is the result of the interaction of the characteristics of individuals; and (3) that participants expected physically attractive and healthier female partners to pair with high-status male stimuli. The American and Brazilian mating expectations were similar, minor differences indicate that Brazilian participants considered men with high levels of social skills to be more ambitious and intelligent; American participants expected men of high status to be healthier; Brazilians expect men of high status to have more attractive faces, while Americans expected these men to possess more attractive bodies; and Brazilian participants assigned more attractive bodies to men of lower status. These differences reflect the influence of economic and cultural factors on the local environment. The study contributes to the understanding of the construction of market value and reveals that male expectations are in line with human mating preferences. The investigation of mating expectations can be a rich approach to investigate socio-cultural aspects that are related to mating in different cultures
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Nalon Castro
- Human Behavior Evolution Laboratory, Psychobiology Postgraduate Program, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Wallisen Tadashi Hattori
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Steven J C Gaulin
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Maria Emília Yamamoto
- Human Behavior Evolution Laboratory, Psychobiology Postgraduate Program, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Fívia de Araújo Lopes
- Human Behavior Evolution Laboratory, Psychobiology Postgraduate Program, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Mehmetoglu M, Määttänen I. Norwegian Men and Women Value Similar Mate Traits in Short-Term Relationships. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 18:1474704920979623. [PMID: 33371743 PMCID: PMC10303546 DOI: 10.1177/1474704920979623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has provided evidence that females are generally the more selective sex in humans. Moreover, both sexes have been found to be more selective in long-term mating compared to short-term mating. In this study, we have examined the effects of sex, mating strategy (preferred relationship length) and their interaction on mate preferences (i.e., mate selection criteria) in an egalitarian Nordic society, namely Norway. The study sample consisted of 1,000 individuals, 417 of whom were male and 583 female respondents. According to our findings, men were more selective in physical appearance, whereas women were more selective in all the other mate preferences (e.g., understanding, dominant, kind, intellectual etc.). The respondents that were seeking short-term relationships had higher preference for physical appearance, humorousness and sociability. On the other hand, the respondents that were seeking long-term relationships were more selective in most of the other mate preferences (i.e., understanding, kind, cultivated, domestic, reliable, and similar). Interestingly, no interaction effect was found between sex and mating strategy in that differences between long-term and short-term seekers in mate preferences did not change depending on sex. This suggests that men and women value the same traits in short-term relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Mehmetoglu
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian
University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ilmari Määttänen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Zhou Y, Wang K, Chen S, Zhang J, Zhou M. The Actor, Partner, Similarity Effects of Personality, and Interactions with Gender and Relationship Duration among Chinese Emerging Adults. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1698. [PMID: 29033878 PMCID: PMC5626872 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding personality effects and their role in influencing relationship quality, varied according to gender and relationship duration, could help us better understand close relationships. Participants were Chinese dating dyads and were asked to complete both the Big Five Inventory and Perceived Relationship Quality Component scales. Males and those who had a long-term relationship perceived better relationship quality; individuals who scored higher on agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and emotional stability enjoyed better relationship quality; gender and/or relationship duration moderated the actor effect of extraversion and the partner effects of conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness on relationship quality. Regarding the profile similarity, those couples who were more dissimilar in their profile personality had better relationship quality, especially when they were in a relatively long-term relationship. Meanwhile, with an increase in profile similarity, the males' perceived relationship quality decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Youth Research Institute, China Youth University of Political Studies, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjie Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Boysen GA. Stigma Toward People with Mental Illness as Potential Sexual and Romantic Partners. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-017-0089-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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França PSD, Natividade JC, Lopes FDA. Evidências de Validade da Versão Brasileira da Escala Amor do Marriage and Relationships Questionnaire (MARQ). PSICO-USF 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-82712016210202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo O amor romântico é um sentimento relacionado à criação e manutenção de laços afetivos. Entre os instrumentos desenvolvidos para aferi-lo, destaca-se o Marriage and Relationships Questionnaire por sua abrangência e replicabilidade em diversas culturas. Ele contém 12 escalas, entre as quais, uma afere o nível de vínculo emocional entre parceiros em relacionamento amoroso: a Escala Amor. Este trabalho teve como objetivo buscar evidências de validade da versão adaptada para o Brasil da Escala Amor. Participaram da pesquisa 176 pessoas em relacionamento estável. Realizou-se uma análise fatorial exploratória e verificou-se adequação da estrutura unifatorial do instrumento, além de satisfatória consistência interna e relações com questões critério, conforme hipotetizadas. A escala foi capaz de detectar maiores níveis de vínculo emocional entre as pessoas que nunca pensaram em se separar de seus parceiros, quando comparadas àquelas que pensaram com maior frequência. Considera-se que o instrumento adaptado se mostrou adequado para utilização no Brasil.
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Castro FN, Hattori WT, de Araújo Lopes F. Intra-sex Variation in Human Mating Strategies: Different People, Different Tactics. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:1729-1736. [PMID: 25896490 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-015-0533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that men and women exhibit different romantic preferences, which align with the patterns predicted by sexual strategies theory. It is also assumed that the mate's value is a central factor in determining an individual's sexual strategy. Thus, the current study was developed to investigate whether intra-sex variation exists in the ideal romantic preferences of both genders and whether these preferences are associated with self-perception. To investigate these questions, cluster analyses were performed on the descriptions of ideal mates for short- and long-term relationships given by 366 Brazilian undergraduates (145 men and 221 women). Subsequently, comparisons were made between the lists of self-perceived attributes related to reproduction generated by the resulting groups. The results suggest that males and females use different mating tactics for short-term mating and that males use different tactics for long-term mating. Among men, the mating tactics observed seem to be related to male mate value and their tactics changed when they described ideal short- and long-term partners. Women's results showed different preference patterns in short-term assessments but minor differences were observed between them in terms of female mate value. For long-term relationships, female patterns were less distinct, indicating a single preference pattern. These findings indicate that a number of different tactics may be clustered together in investigations that address ideal preferences, and that studies of mate preferences must consider individual self-perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Nalon Castro
- Graduate Program Psychobiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário, Caixa Postal 1511, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59078-970, Brazil,
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Castro FN, Hattori WT, Yamamoto ME, Lopes FA. Romantic partners in a market perspective: expectations about what ensures a highly desirable partner. Psychol Rep 2014; 113:605-18. [PMID: 24597452 DOI: 10.2466/21.19.pr0.113x23z6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study used the biological market perspective and influential statistical models from the marketing field to investigate males' and females' expectations regarding which combination of characteristics are most relevant in ensuring desirable partnerships for same-sex individuals. Thus, 358 Brazilian undergraduates assessed eight descriptions of same-gender stimulus targets (formulated with different levels of physical attractiveness, social skills, and current or prospective social status) and evaluated the overall desirability of the targets' expected or probable partners. From the possible combinations, three groups emerged: for one group, mainly composed of men, status characteristics were the most important attributes; for the others, mostly composed of women, social skills or physical characteristics were identified as most important in appealing to a desirable partner. This work expands the understanding of variability in male and female romantic expectations, and its implications are discussed from an evolutionary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe N Castro
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário, Caixa Postal 1511, Lagoa Nova, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil.
| | - Wallisen T Hattori
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário, Caixa Postal 1511, Lagoa Nova, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Maria Emília Yamamoto
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário, Caixa Postal 1511, Lagoa Nova, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Fívia A Lopes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário, Caixa Postal 1511, Lagoa Nova, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil
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Evaluating Evidence of Mate Preference Adaptations: How Do We Really Know What Homo sapiens sapiens Really Want? EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0314-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Castro FN, Hattori WT, Yamamoto ME, Lopes FDA. Social Comparisons on Self-Perception and Mate Preferences: The Self and the Others. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/psych.2014.57080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Vasilenko SA, Lefkowitz ES, Maggs JL. Short-term positive and negative consequences of sex based on daily reports among college students. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2012; 49:558-69. [PMID: 21707408 PMCID: PMC3394901 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2011.589101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Because sexual behavior may be associated with a broader range of outcomes than physical consequences like sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, it is important to understand consequences of sex that may influence mental and social well-being in emerging adulthood. This article describes the short-term intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences reported by college students on days they engage in vaginal sex and what factors predict experiencing particular consequences. Data are from first-year college students who reported vaginal sex on at least one of 28 sampled days (mean age = 18.5 years; 53% female; 30% Hispanic/Latino [HL]; of non-HL participants, 30% were African American, 22% were Asian American, 35% were European American, and 12% were multiracial; N = 209 people and N = 679 person days). Participants reported positive consequences more frequently than negative consequences. Non-use of contraception and sex with a non-dating partner were associated with greater odds of reporting negative consequences. These findings have implications for messages about casual sex and use of contraception in sex education and sexual health programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. Vasilenko
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, 110 South Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16801.
| | - Eva S. Lefkowitz
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University.
| | - Jennifer L. Maggs
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University.
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