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Khani P, Ansari Dezfouli M, Nasri F, Rahemi M, Ahmadloo S, Afkhami H, Saeidi F, Tereshchenko S, Bigdeli MR, Modarressi MH. Genetic and epigenetic effects on couple adjustment in context of romantic relationship: A scoping systematic review. Front Genet 2023; 14:1002048. [PMID: 36816018 PMCID: PMC9937082 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1002048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Couples' relationships defined by a complex interaction between the two partners and their intrapersonal traits. Romantic; relationships and love are associated with marital satisfaction and stability, as well as couples' happiness and health. Personality traits influence romantic relationships and, personality influenced by genetical and non-genetically factors. The roles of non-genetically factors such as socioeconomic position and external appearance have revealed in determining the quality of romantic relationships. Methods: We; performed a scoping systematic review to assess the association between genetics and epigenetic factors and romantic relationship. Relevant articles were identified by PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the APA PsycInfo searching between inception and 4 June 2022. Results: Different studies evaluated the associated polymorphisms in 15 different genes or chromosomal regions. In the first step; we classified them into four groups: (1) Oxytocin-related signaling pathway (OXTR, CD38, and AVPR1A); (2) Serotonin-related signaling pathway (SLC6A4, HTR1A, and HTR2A); (3) Dopamine and catecholamine-related signaling pathway (DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, ANKK1, and COMT); and (4) other genes (HLA, GABRA2, OPRM1, and Y-DNA haplogroup D-M55). Then, we evaluated and extracted significant polymorphisms that affect couple adjustment and romantic relationships. Discussion: Overall, the findings suggest that genetic and epigenetics variants play a key role in marital adjustment and romantic relationships over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Khani
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Ansari Dezfouli
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Nasri
- Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rahemi
- Department of stem cell technology and tissue regeneration, Faculty of Science, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salma Ahmadloo
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran,Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzane Saeidi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sergey Tereshchenko
- Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Krasnoyarsk, Russia,*Correspondence: Sergey Tereshchenko, ; Mohammad Reza Bigdeli, ; Mohammad Hossein Modarressi,
| | - Mohammad Reza Bigdeli
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran,Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Sergey Tereshchenko, ; Mohammad Reza Bigdeli, ; Mohammad Hossein Modarressi,
| | - Mohammad Hossein Modarressi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Sergey Tereshchenko, ; Mohammad Reza Bigdeli, ; Mohammad Hossein Modarressi,
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Nicolas SCA, Welling LLM. A Preliminary Investigation Into Women’s Sexual Risk-taking That Could Lead to Unintended Pregnancy. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-022-00319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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3
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Fiurašková K, Havlíček J, Roberts SC. Dietary and psychosocial correlates of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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4
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Lanfranchi A. Hormonal Contraception and Violent Death: The Physiological and Psychological Links. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:667563. [PMID: 34393733 PMCID: PMC8363127 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.667563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, two large prospective cohort studies of British and American women have been conducted which found a statistically significant increase in the risk of violent death in ever-users of hormonal contraceptives. Research on the effects of hormonal contraceptives upon the behaviors of intimate partners and on the physiology of women using hormonal contraceptives has provided insight into the possible basis for the resulting increase in violent death. This review examines the changes that are potential contributors to the reported increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanfranchi
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, Whitehouse Station, NJ, United States
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5
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Croy I, Ritschel G, Kreßner-Kiel D, Schäfer L, Hummel T, Havlíček J, Sauter J, Ehninger G, Schmidt AH. Marriage does not relate to major histocompatibility complex: a genetic analysis based on 3691 couples. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201800. [PMID: 33023409 PMCID: PMC7657850 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimization of chances for healthy offspring is thought to be one of the factors driving mate choice and compatibility of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is assumed to determine the offspring's fitness. While humans have been claimed to be able to perceive information of MHC compatibility via the olfactory channel, it remains unknown whether humans use such information for mate choice. By investigation of 3691 married couples, we observed that the high polymorphism of MHC leads to a low chance for homozygous offspring. MHC similarity between couples did not differ from chance, we hence observed no MHC effect in married couples. Hormonal contraception at the time of relationship initiation had no significant effect towards enhanced similarity. A low variety of alleles within a postcode area led to a higher likelihood of homozygous offspring. Based on this data, we conclude that there is no pattern of MHC dis-assortative mating in a genetically diverse Western society. We discuss the question of olfactory mate preference, in-group mating bias and the high polymorphism as potential explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gerhard Ritschel
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Denise Kreßner-Kiel
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Laura Schäfer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Interdisciplinary Center ‘Smell & Taste’, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Havlíček
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Alexander H. Schmidt
- DKMS gemeinnützige GmbH, Tübingen, Germany
- DKMS Life Science Laboratory GmbH, Dresden, Germany
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Murray DR, Moran JB, Prokosch ML, Kerry N. No evidence for a relationship between MHC heterozygosity and life history strategy in a sample of North American undergraduates. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10140. [PMID: 32576939 PMCID: PMC7311407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although allelic diversity at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has implications for adaptive immunity, mate choice, and social signalling, how diversity at the MHC influences the calibration of life history strategies remains largely uninvestigated. The current study investigated whether greater MHC heterozygosity was associated with markers of slower life history strategies in a sample of 789 North American undergraduates. Contrary to preregistered predictions and to previously published findings, MHC heterozygosity was not related to any of the psychological life history-relevant variables measured (including short- vs. long-term sexual strategy, temporal discounting, the Arizona life history battery, past and current health, disgust sensitivity, and Big Five personality traits). Further, no meaningful effects emerged when analysing women and men separately. Possible reasons for why the current results are inconsistent with previous work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian R Murray
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
| | - James B Moran
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Marjorie L Prokosch
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Nicholas Kerry
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
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Havlíček J, Winternitz J, Roberts SC. Major histocompatibility complex-associated odour preferences and human mate choice: near and far horizons. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190260. [PMID: 32306884 PMCID: PMC7209936 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a core part of the adaptive immune system. As in other vertebrate taxa, it may also affect human chemical communication via odour-based mate preferences, with greater attraction towards MHC-dissimilar partners. However, despite some well-known findings, the available evidence is equivocal and made complicated by varied approaches to quantifying human mate choice. To address this, we here conduct comprehensive meta-analyses focusing on studies assessing: (i) genomic mate selection, (ii) relationship satisfaction, (iii) odour preference, and (iv) all studies combined. Analysis of genomic studies reveals no association between MHC-dissimilarity and mate choice in actual couples; however, MHC effects appear to be independent of the genomic background. The effect of MHC-dissimilarity on relationship satisfaction was not significant, and we found evidence for publication bias in studies on this area. There was also no significant association between MHC-dissimilarity and odour preferences. Finally, combining effect sizes from all genomic, relationship satisfaction, odour preference and previous mate choice studies into an overall estimate showed no overall significant effect of MHC-similarity on human mate selection. Based on these findings, we make a set of recommendations for future studies, focusing both on aspects that should be implemented immediately and those that lurk on the far horizon. We need larger samples with greater geographical and cultural diversity that control for genome-wide similarity. We also need more focus on mechanisms of MHC-associated odour preferences and on MHC-associated pregnancy loss. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Olfactory communication in humans'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Havlíček
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 42 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jamie Winternitz
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld 33615, Germany
| | - S. Craig Roberts
- Division of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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9
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Evidence for odour-mediated assortative mating in humans: The impact of hormonal contraception and artificial fragrances. Physiol Behav 2019; 210:112541. [PMID: 31103136 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial evidence for assortative partner preferences in humans based on physical characteristics. In contrast, evidence suggests that olfactory preferences tend to be disassortative, with people preferring body odour of potential partners who are dissimilar at key genetic loci, perhaps to gain fitness advantage through offspring heterozygosity. We compared ratings of perceived body odour similarity of real couples with those of randomly paired 'fake' couples. Contrary to prediction, we find that odours of real partners are perceived more, rather than less, similar to each other than fake couples. However, this applied only to natural odour samples: there were no differences in similarity levels of real and fake couples' samples which were collected while wearing artificial fragrances. Furthermore, in light of suggestions that hormonal contraception (HC) disrupts disassortative odour preferences in women, we compared odour similarity among real couples in which the female partner was using or not using HC at the time when the relationship began. We find that odours of HC-using couples are of intermediate similarity between non-using and fake couples, suggesting that HC use during partner choice could affect odour-influenced assortment. We also examined the association between relationship satisfaction and perceived similarity of unfragranced odours of real couples. We found that these are positively correlated in male partners but negatively correlated in the female partners, indicative of a sex difference in the relative favourability of odour similarity in partner preference. Finally, by comparing odour similarity ratings with those given by perfumers using a novel olfactory lexicon we found evidence that similarity judgements were based on the Spicy/Animalic aspects of individual odour profiles. Taken together, our results challenge the conventional view that odour-mediated partner preferences in humans are typically disassortative.
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10
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Mahmut MK, Croy I. The role of body odors and olfactory ability in the initiation, maintenance and breakdown of romantic relationships - A review. Physiol Behav 2019; 207:179-184. [PMID: 31077678 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to present direct and indirect lines of converging evidence that highlight the many ways our body odors and sense of smell may influence the three broad stages of romantic relationships; initiation, maintenance and breakdown. This emerging area of study requires a multidisciplinary empirical approach. Here we survey research findings that taken together, suggest that body odor perception moderates mate choice, provides a source of comfort in existing relationships and may signal the breakdown of a relationship through disgust processes. In terms of olfactory ability, having a good sense of smell may facilitate identifying a healthy mate, enhance sexual experiences, relationship security and ensure empathic responsivity, predictors of relationship longevity. We therefore conclude that olfaction plays an important - yet understudied - role in romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet K Mahmut
- Food, Flavour and Fragrance Lab, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
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11
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Salvatore JE, Kendler KS. The Role of Emergence in Genetically Informed Relationships Research: A Methodological Analysis. Behav Genet 2019; 49:211-220. [PMID: 30357601 PMCID: PMC6420374 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-018-9934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides a critical analysis of genetically informed research on relationships, with an emphasis on relationships among unrelated individuals (e.g., spouses). To date, research in this area has used traditional behavioral genetic frameworks to either partition the variance in relationship-related outcomes into genetic and environmental components, or to examine gene-environment interplay between relationship factors and other outcomes. However, this conventional approach is at odds with the long-standing understanding from the field of relationship science that both partners' characteristics matter when predicting shared outcomes-that is, outcomes that are emergent. We examine briefly the philosophical concept of emergence, and discuss ways to model dyadic outcomes in genetically informed relationships research. We also review the related topic of social genetic effects, which refer to the influence of a social partner's genotype on a proband's phenotype. A genetically informed dyadic perspective has potentially important consequences for our understanding of the pathways from genotype→shared or individual-level phenotypes, and more fully recognizes the complexity of how genetic and social/environmental factors come together to influence human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Salvatore
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Kenneth S Kendler
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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12
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Grebe NM, Del Giudice M, Emery Thompson M, Nickels N, Ponzi D, Zilioli S, Maestripieri D, Gangestad SW. Testosterone, cortisol, and status-striving personality features: A review and empirical evaluation of the Dual Hormone hypothesis. Horm Behav 2019; 109:25-37. [PMID: 30685468 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research in behavioral endocrinology has implicated the gonadal hormone testosterone in the regulation of mating effort, often expressed in primates in the form of aggressive and/or status-striving behavior. Based on the idea that neuroendocrine axes influence each other, recent work among humans has proposed that links between testosterone and indices of status-striving are rendered conditional by the effects of glucocorticoids. The Dual Hormone hypothesis is one particular instance of this argument, predicting that cortisol blocks the effects of testosterone on dominance, aggression, and risk-taking in humans. Support for the Dual Hormone hypothesis is wide-ranging, but considerations of theoretical ambiguity, null findings, and low statistical power pose problems for interpreting the published literature. Here, we contribute to the development of the Dual Hormone hypothesis by (1) critically reviewing the extant literature-including p-curve analyses of published findings; and, (2) "opening the file drawer" and examining relationships between testosterone, cortisol, and status-striving personality features in seven previously published studies from our laboratories (total N = 718; median N per feature = 318) that examined unrelated predictions. Results from p-curve suggest that published studies have only 16% power to detect effects, while our own data show no robust interactions between testosterone and cortisol in predicting status-striving personality features. We discuss the implications of these results for the Dual Hormone hypothesis, limitations of our analyses, and the development of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Grebe
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Marco Del Giudice
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Nora Nickels
- Department of Comparative Human Development, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Davide Ponzi
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Dario Maestripieri
- Department of Comparative Human Development, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven W Gangestad
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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The Bitter Pill: Cessation of Oral Contraceptives Enhances the Appeal of Alternative Mates. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-018-00186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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14
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Sorokowska A, Pietrowski D, Schäfer L, Kromer J, Schmidt AH, Sauter J, Hummel T, Croy I. Human Leukocyte Antigen similarity decreases partners' and strangers' body odor attractiveness for women not using hormonal contraception. Horm Behav 2018; 106:144-149. [PMID: 30339817 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) is a gene complex that encodes important elements of the human immune system. HLA profile is communicated via olfaction and interindividual diversity is assumed to be advantageous for mate choice. Additionally, HLA diversity appears to enhance satisfaction and sexual attraction in existing romantic partnerships. However, whether this effect is transmitted via body odors and whether it results in an attraction towards HLA-dissimilar individuals and/or an avoidance of HLA-similar ones remains unclear. In the present study, we genotyped couples and asked each participant to rate a body odor sample from their partner and from three strangers of the opposite sex who expressed a similar or dissimilar HLA-B and HLA-C genotype. We found no statistically significant preference for HLA similarity or dissimilarity in men. Among women, the observed effects differed depending on hormonal contraception status. Like men, women on hormonal contraception did not exhibit significant HLA-related preferences. However, for women not using hormonal contraceptives, odors from HLA-B and HLA-C similar donors were significantly less attractive than those from HLA-dissimilar donors, regardless of whether the samples were from a partner or a stranger. Our findings support the hypothesis that HLA similarity is perceived via body odors and that such similarity affects human attraction. This mechanism may serve an evolutionarily adaptive function in preventing prospective offspring from having decreased immunocompetence, or decreasing the chance of kin mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sorokowska
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Smell & Taste Research Lab, Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, pl. Dawida 1, 50-527, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Diana Pietrowski
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Laura Schäfer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Jana Kromer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | | | - Jürgen Sauter
- DKMS German Bone Marrow Donor Center, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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Wu K, Chen C, Moyzis RK, Nuno M, Yu Z, Greenberger E. More than skin deep: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-based attraction among Asian American speed-daters. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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16
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Lanfranchi A. A Scientific Basis for Humanae Vitae and Natural Law: The Role of Human Pheromones on Human Sexual Behavior Preferences by Oral Contraceptives and the Abortifacient Effects of Oral Contraceptives. LINACRE QUARTERLY 2018; 85:148-154. [PMID: 30046193 DOI: 10.1177/0024363918756191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article will review Humanae Vitae's predictions of the effect of oral contraceptives (the pill) on male-female relationships and societal behaviors. A scientific, biochemical basis underpinning these predictions is made. Evidence of human pheromones will be given. Evidence for the changes in male and female pheromones caused by the pill is given. Observational and experimental evidence of changes in primate and human behaviors by pheromones is detailed. The role these changes have caused in attractiveness and selection of mate by both males and females in preferences concerning major histocompatibility genes is examined. These changes have also resulted in societal changes in sexual behavior and family structure and have led to increased violence against women. Biochemical evidence for the abortifacient properties of the pill is given. The use of natural family planning is given as a needed alternative to the harms of the pill. Summary: The human biological bases of Humanae Vitae's predictions of the effect of the pill on male-female relationships are examined. Evidence of the presence of pheromones in primates and humans is given. The pill changes human pheromones, odors which are subconsciously detected. These pheromones cause humans to change what they find attractive in a mate. Choosing a mate while on the pill can result in unstable and more violent unions. The biological basis for the fact that the pill causes abortion of human embryos is given. A healthy alternative for fertility control is explained.
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Shirazi T, Renfro KJ, Lloyd E, Wallen K. Women's Experience of Orgasm During Intercourse: Question Semantics Affect Women's Reports and Men's Estimates of Orgasm Occurrence. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:605-613. [PMID: 29079939 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-1102-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Most women report reliably experiencing orgasm from masturbation, but a smaller proportion of women report regularly experiencing orgasm from intercourse. Research suggests that concurrent clitoral stimulation during intercourse increases the likelihood of orgasm, yet most surveys of orgasm during intercourse leave unspecified whether vaginal intercourse does or does not include concurrent clitoral stimulation (assisted intercourse or unassisted intercourse, respectively). Using an online sample of 1569 men and 1478 women, we tested whether phrasing of questions about the occurrence of orgasm in intercourse modulates women's reported frequency and men's estimates of women's frequency of orgasm in intercourse. Participants provided estimates of orgasm when asked explicitly about intercourse with stimulation unspecified, assisted intercourse, and unassisted intercourse. Women's reports of orgasm occurrence were highest in response to assisted intercourse (51-60%), second highest in response to intercourse with clitoral stimulation unspecified (31-40%), and lowest in response to unassisted intercourse (21-30%). Men's estimates of women's orgasms were highest in response to assisted intercourse (61-70%), and lowest in response to unassisted intercourse (41-50%); in both conditions, men's estimates were significantly higher than women's reports. When clitoral stimulation was unspecified, women interpreted "orgasm in intercourse" in three ways: as from intercourse alone, as including concurrent clitoral stimulation though it was unspecified, or as an average of assisted and unassisted intercourse. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the phrasing of questions about women's orgasm produces markedly different orgasm estimates, and suggest that concurrent clitoral stimulation increases the likelihood of women experiencing orgasm in intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Shirazi
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 124 South Butz Street, State College, PA, 16802, USA.
| | | | - Elisabeth Lloyd
- Department of History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Kim Wallen
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Similarities in smell and taste preferences in couples increase with relationship duration. Appetite 2018; 120:158-162. [PMID: 28866029 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies point to partners' congruence in various domains and note an increase in their compatibility over time. However, none have explored a shift in chemosensory perception related to relationship duration. Here, we examined the relationship between the time heterosexual couples have spent together and the degree to which they share their gustatory and olfactory preferences. Additionally, we investigated whether these preferences are associated with relationship satisfaction. One-hundred couples aged from 18 to 68 years being together for a period between 3 and 540 months rated the pleasantness of a wide variety of olfactory and gustatory stimuli. We showed that both taste and smell preferences are more similar the longer couples have been in a relationship. We also observed a very interesting trend in terms of smell preferences, with relationship satisfaction being negatively related to congruence in smell preferences between partners. We discuss these results from the perspective of evolutionary psychology.
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Sorokowski P, Sorokowska A, Butovskaya M, Karwowski M, Groyecka A, Wojciszke B, Pawłowski B. Love Influences Reproductive Success in Humans. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1922. [PMID: 29209243 PMCID: PMC5702490 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As love seems to be universal, researchers have attempted to find its biological basis. However, no studies till date have shown its direct association with reproductive success, which is broadly known to be a good measure of fitness. Here, we show links between love, as defined by the Sternberg Triangular Theory of Love, and reproductive success among the Hadza-traditional hunter-gatherer population. We found that commitment and reproductive success were positively and consistently related in both sexes, with number of children showing negative and positive associations with intimacy and passion, respectively, only among women. Our study may shed new light on the meaning of love in humans' evolutionary past, especially in traditional hunter-gatherer societies in which individuals, not their parents, were responsible for partner choice. We suggest that passion and commitment may be the key factors that increase fitness, and therefore, that selection promoted love in human evolution. However, further studies in this area are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Sorokowski
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sorokowska
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marina Butovskaya
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maciej Karwowski
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agata Groyecka
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bogdan Wojciszke
- Sopot Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
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Motta-Mena NV, Puts DA. Endocrinology of human female sexuality, mating, and reproductive behavior. Horm Behav 2017; 91:19-35. [PMID: 27866819 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hormones orchestrate and coordinate human female sexual development, sexuality, and reproduction in relation to three types of phenotypic changes: life history transitions such as puberty and childbirth, responses to contextual factors such as caloric intake and stress, and cyclical patterns such as the ovulatory cycle. Here, we review the endocrinology underlying women's reproductive phenotypes, including sexual orientation and gender identity, mate preferences, competition for mates, sex drive, and maternal behavior. We highlight distinctive aspects of women's sexuality such as the possession of sexual ornaments, relatively cryptic fertile windows, extended sexual behavior across the ovulatory cycle, and a period of midlife reproductive senescence-and we focus on how hormonal mechanisms were shaped by selection to produce adaptive outcomes. We conclude with suggestions for future research to elucidate how hormonal mechanisms subserve women's reproductive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie V Motta-Mena
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - David A Puts
- Department of Anthropology, Center for Brain, Behavior, and Cognition, Center for Human Evolution and Diversity, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802¸ United States.
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Saphire-Bernstein S, Larson CM, Gildersleeve KA, Fales MR, Pillsworth EG, Haselton MG. Genetic compatibility in long-term intimate relationships: partner similarity at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes may reduce in-pair attraction. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Abstract
The ability to differentiate in-group from out-group members on the basis of symbolic cues may be unique to Homo sapiens. The current research examined whether meaningful cues of in-group status moderate ovulatory shifts—a psychological adaptation that likely evolved earlier in humans’ evolutionary timeline. Four studies demonstrated that men were more attracted to fertile than nonfertile women’s voices only when men were evaluating in-group members. In Study 1, the fertility of Caucasian, but not Hispanic, women’s voices positively predicted 92 Caucasian male students’ attraction ratings. Study 2a ( N = 56) replicated this effect among older participants, and Study 2b ( N = 233) included a public preregistration and replicated it again. Study 3 replicated the effect in a sample of 47 Caucasian male students, and an experimental manipulation of the targets’ school membership produced a conceptual replication. These results stress the utility of considering the phylogeny of human evolution when testing evolutionary hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul W. Eastwick
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, IN, USA
| | - Anita Kim
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Sobotková M, Fialová J, Roberts SC, Havlíček J. Effect of Biological Relatedness on Perfume Selection for Others: Preliminary Evidence. Perception 2016; 46:498-515. [PMID: 27927973 DOI: 10.1177/0301006616682514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
People tend to choose perfumes to complement their body odour. As kin share some body odour qualities, their ability to select complementary perfumes for relatives might be higher compared with selection for nonrelatives. We tested this in two studies, comparing selection of a perfume for a target man by himself and by either a familiar but unrelated individual (girlfriend; Study 1) or a relative (sister; Study 2). Target men applied the two perfumes (own or other's choice) to their axillae and then wore cotton pads for 12 hr. Collected perfume-body odour blends and perfumes alone were assessed by rater panels. In Study 1, the blends were rated as nominally more pleasant when body odours were mixed with the perfumes selected by girlfriends compared with those selected by target men themselves. In Study 2, body odours mixed with perfumes selected by sisters were rated significantly more attractive than those mixed with perfumes selected by target men. No significant differences were found for attractiveness and pleasantness ratings when perfumes were rated alone, suggesting that it was the resulting blends that were uniquely different. Our results indicate that sisters might be particularly tuned to select suitable perfumes for their siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jitka Fialová
- 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
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Salvatore JF, Meltzer AL, March DS, Gaertner L. Strangers With Benefits: Attraction to Outgroup Men Increases as Fertility Increases Across the Menstrual Cycle. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2016; 43:204-217. [PMID: 27872395 DOI: 10.1177/0146167216678860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research typically reveals that outgroups are regarded with disinterest at best and hatred and enmity at worst. Working from an evolutionary framework, we identify a unique pattern of outgroup attraction. The small-group lifestyle of pre-human ancestors plausibly limited access to genetically diverse mates. Ancestral females may have solved the inbreeding dilemma while balancing parental investment pressures by mating with outgroup males either via converting to an outgroup or cuckolding the ingroup. A vestige of those mating strategies might manifest in human women as a cyclic pattern of attraction across the menstrual cycle, such that attraction to outgroup men increases as fertility increases across the cycle. Two studies, one using a longitudinal method and the other an experimental method, evidenced the hypothesized linear relationship between attraction to outgroup men and fertility in naturally cycling women.
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Sherlock JM, Sidari MJ, Harris EA, Barlow FK, Zietsch BP. Testing the mate-choice hypothesis of the female orgasm: disentangling traits and behaviours. SOCIOAFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE & PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 6:31562. [PMID: 27791967 PMCID: PMC5084725 DOI: 10.3402/snp.v6.31562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evolution of the female orgasm in humans and its role in romantic relationships is poorly understood. Whereas the male orgasm is inherently linked to reproduction, the female orgasm is not linked to obvious reproductive or survival benefits. It also occurs less consistently during penetrative sex than does the male orgasm. Mate-choice hypotheses posit that the wide variation in female orgasm frequency reflects a discriminatory mechanism designed to select high-quality mates. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine (1) whether women report that their orgasm frequency varies between partners, (2) whether this variation reflects mates' personal characteristics, and (3) whether this variation reflects own and partner sexual behaviour during intercourse. DESIGN We collected survey data from 103 women who rated (1) the extent to which their orgasm frequency varied between partners, (2) the characteristics of previous sexual partners who induced high-orgasm frequency and those who induced low-orgasm frequency, and (3) the specific behaviours during sex with those partners. This is the first study to test within-woman variation in orgasm and partner traits. RESULTS Overall, women reported variation in their orgasm rates with different partners. Partners who induced high-orgasm rates were rated as more humorous, creative, warm, faithful, and better smelling than partners who induced low-orgasm rates, and also engaged in greater efforts to induce partner orgasm. CONCLUSIONS Some assumptions and predictions of mate-choice hypotheses of female orgasm were supported, while other aspects of our findings provide reasons to remain sceptical.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Sherlock
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia;
| | - Morgan J Sidari
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Ann Harris
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona Kate Barlow
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brendan P Zietsch
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Queensland, Australia;
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Weidmann R, Ledermann T, Grob A. The Interdependence of Personality and Satisfaction in Couples. EUROPEAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2016. [DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Personality has been found to play an important role in predicting satisfaction in couples. This review presents dyadic research on the association between Big Five traits and both life and relationship satisfaction in couples focusing on self-reported personality, partner-perceived personality (how the partner rates one’s own personality), and personality similarity. Furthermore, special attention is given to possible gender effects. The findings indicate the importance of self-reported as well as partner-perceived reported personality for the satisfaction of both partners. Specifically, the majority of studies found intrapersonal and interpersonal effects for neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness on life or relationship satisfaction. For the partner-perceived personality, intrapersonal and interpersonal effects were present for all Big Five traits. Partners’ similarity in personality traits seems not to be related with their satisfaction when controlling for partners’ personality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander Grob
- Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Switzerland
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27
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Kromer J, Hummel T, Pietrowski D, Giani AS, Sauter J, Ehninger G, Schmidt AH, Croy I. Influence of HLA on human partnership and sexual satisfaction. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32550. [PMID: 27578547 PMCID: PMC5006172 DOI: 10.1038/srep32550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC, called HLA in humans) is an important genetic component of the immune system. Fish, birds and mammals prefer mates with different genetic MHC code compared to their own, which they determine using olfactory cues. This preference increases the chances of high MHC variety in the offspring, leading to enhanced resilience against a variety of pathogens. Humans are also able to discriminate HLA related olfactory stimuli, however, it is debated whether this mechanism is of behavioural relevance. We show on a large sample (N = 508), with high-resolution typing of HLA class I/II, that HLA dissimilarity correlates with partnership, sexuality and enhances the desire to procreate. We conclude that HLA mediates mate behaviour in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Kromer
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - T. Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - D. Pietrowski
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - A. S. Giani
- DKMS German Bone Marrow Donor Center, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - J. Sauter
- DKMS German Bone Marrow Donor Center, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - G. Ehninger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - A. H. Schmidt
- DKMS German Bone Marrow Donor Center, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - I. Croy
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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28
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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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29
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Mate choice preferences in an intergroup context: evidence for a sexual coercion threat-management system among women. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Finkel EJ, Eastwick PW, Karney BR, Reis HT, Sprecher S. Online Dating: A Critical Analysis From the Perspective of Psychological Science. Psychol Sci Public Interest 2015; 13:3-66. [PMID: 26173279 DOI: 10.1177/1529100612436522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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31
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Gallup GG, Ampel BC, Wedberg N, Pogosjan A. Do Orgasms Give Women Feedback about Mate Choice? EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/147470491401200507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study represents a preliminary investigation of the extent to which female orgasm functions to promote good mate choices. Based on a survey of heterosexual female college students in committed relationships, how often women experienced orgasm as a result of sexual intercourse was related to their partner's family income, his self-confidence, and how attractive he was. Orgasm intensity was also related to how attracted they were to their partners, how many times they had sex per week, and ratings of sexual satisfaction. Those with partners who their friends rated as more attractive also tended to have more intense orgasms. Orgasm frequency was highly correlated ( r = .82) with orgasm intensity, and orgasm intensity was a marginally better predictor of sexual satisfaction than orgasm frequency. Sexual satisfaction was related to how physically attracted women were to their partner and the breadth of his shoulders. Women who began having sexual intercourse at earlier ages had more sex partners, experienced more orgasms, and were more sexually satisfied with their partners. We also identified an ensemble of partner psychological traits (motivation, intelligence, focus, and determination) that predicted how often women initiated sexual intercourse. Their partner's sense of humor not only predicted his self-confidence and family income, but it also predicted women's propensity to initiate sex, how often they had sex, and it enhanced their orgasm frequency in comparison with other partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon G. Gallup
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin C. Ampel
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Wedberg
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Arutjun Pogosjan
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
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33
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The association between discontinuing hormonal contraceptives and wives' marital satisfaction depends on husbands' facial attractiveness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:17081-6. [PMID: 25404285 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1414784111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
How are hormonal contraceptives (HCs) related to marital well-being? Some work suggests HCs suppress biological processes associated with women's preferences for partner qualities reflective of genetic fitness, qualities that may be summarized by facial attractiveness. Given that realizing such interpersonal preferences positively predicts relationship satisfaction, any changes in women's preferences associated with changes in their HC use may interact with partner facial attractiveness to predict women's relationship satisfaction. We tested this possibility using two longitudinal studies of 118 newlywed couples. Trained observers objectively rated husbands' facial attractiveness in both studies. In study 1, wives reported their marital satisfaction every 6 mo for 4 y and then reported the history of their HC use for their relationship. In study 2, wives reported whether they were using HCs when they met their husbands and then their marital satisfaction and HC use every 4 mo for up to three waves. In both studies, and in an analysis that combined the data from both studies, wives who were using HCs when they formed their relationship with their husband were less satisfied with their marriage when they discontinued HCs if their husband had a relatively less attractive face, but more satisfied if their husband had a relatively more attractive face. Beginning HCs demonstrated no consistent associations with marital satisfaction. Incongruency between HC use at relationship formation and current HC use was negatively associated with sexual satisfaction, regardless of husbands' facial attractiveness. These findings suggest that HC use may have unintended implications for women's close relationships.
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Abstract
Qualitative-consciousness arises at the sensory level of olfactory processing and pervades our experience of smells to the extent that qualitative character is maintained whenever we are aware of undergoing an olfactory experience. Building upon the distinction between Access and Phenomenal Consciousness the paper offers a nuanced distinction between Awareness and Qualitative-consciousness that is applicable to olfaction in a manner that is conceptual precise and empirically viable. Mounting empirical research is offered substantiating the applicability of the distinction to olfaction and showing that olfactory qualitative-consciousness can occur without awareness, but any olfactory state that we are aware of being in is always qualitative. Evidence that olfactory sensory states have a qualitatively character in the absence of awareness derives from research on mate selection, the selection of social preference for social interaction and acquaintances, as well as the role of olfactory deficits in causing affective disorders. Furthermore, the conservation of secondary processing measures of olfactory valence during olfactory imagery experiments provides verification that olfactory awareness is always qualitatively conscious-all olfactory consciousness smells phenomenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Young
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva, Israel
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35
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Bossio JA, Suschinsky KD, Puts DA, Chivers ML. Does menstrual cycle phase influence the gender specificity of heterosexual women's genital and subjective sexual arousal? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2014; 43:941-952. [PMID: 24379080 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0233-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Unlike men, heterosexual women's genital arousal is gender nonspecific, such that heterosexual women show relatively similar genital arousal to sexual stimuli depicting men and women but typically report greater subjective arousal to male stimuli. Based on the ovulatory-shift hypothesis-that women show a mid-cycle shift in preferences towards more masculine features during peak fertility-we predicted that heterosexual women's genital and subjective arousal would be gender specific (more arousal towards male stimuli) during peak fertility. Twenty-two naturally-cycling heterosexual women were assessed during the follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycle to examine the role of menstrual cycle phase in gender specificity of genital and subjective sexual arousal. Menstrual cycle phase was confirmed with salivary hormone assays; phase at the time of first testing was counterbalanced. Women's genital and subjective sexual arousal patterns were gender nonspecific, irrespective of cycle phase. Cycle phase at first testing session did not influence genital or subjective arousal in the second testing session. Similar to previous research, women's genital and subjective sexual arousal varied with cues of sexual activity, but neither genital nor subjective sexual arousal varied by gender cues, with the exception of masturbation stimuli, where women showed higher genital arousal to the stimuli depicting male compared to female actors. These data suggest that menstrual cycle phase does not influence the gender specificity of heterosexual women's genital and subjective sexual arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Bossio
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
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36
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Gangestad SW, Garver-Apgar CE, Cousins AJ, Thornhill R. Intersexual conflict across women's ovulatory cycle. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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37
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Abstract
When Charles Darwin set out to relate his theory of evolution by natural selection to humans he discovered that a complementary explanation was needed to properly understand the great variation seen in human behavior. The resulting work, The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, laid out the defining principles and evidence of sexual selection. In brief, this work is best known for illuminating the typically male strategy of intrasexual competition and the typically female response of intersexual choice. While these sexual stereotypes were first laid out by Darwin, they grew in importance when, years later, A. J. Bateman, in a careful study of Drosophila mating strategies, noted that multiple mating appeared to provide great benefit to male reproductive success, but to have no such effect on females. As a result, female choice soon became synonymous with being coy, and only males were thought to gain from promiscuous behavior. However, the last thirty years of research have served to question much of the traditional wisdom about sex differences proposed by Darwin and Bateman, illuminating the many ways that women (and females more generally) can and do engage in multiple mating.
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38
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Roberts SC, Little AC, Burriss RP, Cobey KD, Klapilová K, Havlíček J, Jones BC, DeBruine L, Petrie M. Partner choice, relationship satisfaction, and oral contraception: the congruency hypothesis. Psychol Sci 2014; 25:1497-503. [PMID: 24818612 DOI: 10.1177/0956797614532295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hormonal fluctuation across the menstrual cycle explains temporal variation in women's judgment of the attractiveness of members of the opposite sex. Use of hormonal contraceptives could therefore influence both initial partner choice and, if contraceptive use subsequently changes, intrapair dynamics. Associations between hormonal contraceptive use and relationship satisfaction may thus be best understood by considering whether current use is congruent with use when relationships formed, rather than by considering current use alone. In the study reported here, we tested this congruency hypothesis in a survey of 365 couples. Controlling for potential confounds (including relationship duration, age, parenthood, and income), we found that congruency in current and previous hormonal contraceptive use, but not current use alone, predicted women's sexual satisfaction with their partners. Congruency was not associated with women's nonsexual satisfaction or with the satisfaction of their male partners. Our results provide empirical support for the congruency hypothesis and suggest that women's sexual satisfaction is influenced by changes in partner preference associated with change in hormonal contraceptive use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert P Burriss
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling Department of Psychology, Northumbria University
| | | | | | | | | | - Lisa DeBruine
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow
| | - Marion Petrie
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University
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39
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Wlodarski R, Dunbar RIM. Menstrual cycle effects on attitudes toward romantic kissing. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2014; 24:402-13. [PMID: 24078298 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-013-9176-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal changes associated with the human menstrual cycle have been previously found to affect female mate preference, whereby women in the late follicular phase of their cycle (i.e., at higher risk of conception) prefer males displaying putative signals of underlying genetic fitness. Past research also suggests that romantic kissing is utilized in human mating contexts to assess potential mating partners. The current study examined whether women in their late follicular cycle phase place greater value on kissing at times when it might help serve mate assessment functions. Using an international online questionnaire, results showed that women in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle felt that kissing was more important at initial stages of a relationship than women in the luteal phase of their cycle. Furthermore, it was found that estimated progesterone levels were a significant negative predictor for these ratings.
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40
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41
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Klapilová K, Cobey KD, Wells T, Roberts SC, Weiss P, Havlíček J. Current Hormonal Contraceptive Use Predicts Female Extra-Pair and Dyadic Sexual Behavior: Evidence Based on Czech National Survey Data. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/147470491401200103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Data from 1155 Czech women (493 using oral contraception, 662 non-users), obtained from the Czech National Survey of Sexual Behavior, were used to investigate evolutionary-based hypotheses concerning the predictive value of current oral contraceptive (OC) use on extra-pair and dyadic (in-pair) sexual behavior of coupled women. Specifically, the aim was to determine whether current OC use was associated with lower extra-pair and higher in-pair sexual interest and behavior, because OC use suppresses cyclical shifts in mating psychology that occur in normally cycling women. Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression and negative binomial models were used to test associations between OC use and these sexual measures, controlling for other relevant predictors (e.g., age, parity, in-pair sexual satisfaction, relationship length). The overall incidence of having had an extra-pair partner or one-night stand in the previous year was not related to current OC use (the majority of the sample had not). However, among the women who had engaged in extra-pair sexual behavior, OC users had fewer one-night stands than non-users, and tended to have fewer partners, than non-users. OC users also had more frequent dyadic intercourse than non-users, potentially indicating higher commitment to their current relationship. These results suggest that suppression of fertility through OC use may alter important aspects of female sexual behavior, with potential implications for relationship functioning and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly D. Cobey
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Wells
- Institute of Human Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - S. Craig Roberts
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Petr Weiss
- 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Havlíček
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Cantú SM, Simpson JA, Griskevicius V, Weisberg YJ, Durante KM, Beal DJ. Fertile and Selectively Flirty. Psychol Sci 2013; 25:431-8. [DOI: 10.1177/0956797613508413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Past research shows that men respond to women differently depending on where women are in their ovulatory cycle. But what leads men to treat ovulating women differently? We propose that the ovulatory cycle alters women’s flirting behavior. We tested this hypothesis in an experiment in which women interacted with different types of men at different points in their cycle. Results revealed that women in the ovulatory phase reported more interest in men who had purported markers of genetic fitness as short-term mates, but not as long-term mates. Furthermore, behavioral ratings of the interactions indicated that women displayed more flirting behaviors when they were at high than at low fertility. Importantly, fertile women flirted more only when interacting with men who had genetic-fitness markers, not with other men. In summary, fertility not only alters women’s behavior but does so in a context-dependent way that follows adaptive logic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel J. Beal
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas, San Antonio
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Mildner S, Buchbauer G. Human Body Scents: Do they Influence our Behavior? Nat Prod Commun 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1300801138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pheromonal communication in the animal world has been of great research interest for a long time. While extraordinary discoveries in this field have been made, the importance of the human sense of smell was of far lower interest. Humans are seen as poor smellers and therefore research about human olfaction remains quite sparse compared with other animals. Nevertheless amazing achievements have been made during the past 15 years. This is a collection of available data on this topic and a controversial discussion on the role of putative human pheromones in our modern way of living. While the focus was definitely put on behavioral changes evoked by putative human pheromones this article also includes other important aspects such as the possible existence of a human vomeronasal organ. If pheromones do have an influence on human behavior there has to be a receptor organ. How are human body scents secreted and turned into odorous substances? And how can con-specifics detect those very odors and transmit them to the brain? Apart from that the most likely candidates for human pheromones are taken on account and their impact on human behavior is shown in various detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mildner
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Buchbauer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Ellsworth RM, Bailey DH. Human female orgasm as evolved signal: a test of two hypotheses. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2013; 42:1545-1554. [PMID: 23857519 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We present the results of a study designed to empirically test predictions derived from two hypotheses regarding human female orgasm behavior as an evolved communicative trait or signal. One hypothesis tested was the female fidelity hypothesis, which posits that human female orgasm signals a woman's sexual satisfaction and therefore her likelihood of future fidelity to a partner. The other was sire choice hypothesis, which posits that women's orgasm behavior signals increased chances of fertilization. To test the two hypotheses of human female orgasm, we administered a questionnaire to 138 females and 121 males who reported that they were currently in a romantic relationship. Key predictions of the female fidelity hypothesis were not supported. In particular, orgasm was not associated with female sexual fidelity nor was orgasm associated with male perceptions of partner sexual fidelity. However, faked orgasm was associated with female sexual infidelity and lower male relationship satisfaction. Overall, results were in greater support of the sire choice signaling hypothesis than the female fidelity hypothesis. Results also suggest that male satisfaction with, investment in, and sexual fidelity to a mate are benefits that favored the selection of orgasmic signaling in ancestral females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Ellsworth
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, 107 Swallow Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA,
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Roberts SC, Cobey KD, Klapilová K, Havlíček J. An evolutionary approach offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between oral contraception and sexual desire. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2013; 42:1369-1375. [PMID: 23733157 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Craig Roberts
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK,
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Meltzer AL, McNulty JK, Jackson GL, Karney BR. Sex differences in the implications of partner physical attractiveness for the trajectory of marital satisfaction. J Pers Soc Psychol 2013; 106:418-28. [PMID: 24128188 DOI: 10.1037/a0034424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Do men value physical attractiveness in a mate more than women? Scientists in numerous disciplines believe that they do, but recent research using speed-dating paradigms suggests that males and females are equally influenced by physical attractiveness when choosing potential mates. Nevertheless, the premise of the current work is that sex differences in the importance of physical attractiveness are most likely to emerge in research on long-term relationships. Accordingly, the current work drew from 4 independent, longitudinal studies to examine sex differences in the implications of partner physical attractiveness for trajectories of marital satisfaction. In all 4 studies, both partners' physical attractiveness was objectively rated at baseline, and both partners reported their marital satisfaction up to 8 times over the first 4 years of marriage. Whereas husbands were more satisfied at the beginning of the marriage and remained more satisfied over the next 4 years to the extent that they had an attractive wife, wives were no more or less satisfied initially or over the next 4 years to the extent that they had an attractive husband. Most importantly, a direct test indicated that partner physical attractiveness played a larger role in predicting husbands' satisfaction than predicting wives' satisfaction. These findings strengthen support for the idea that sex differences in self-reported preferences for physical attractiveness do have implications for long-term relationship outcomes.
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Grebe NM, Gangestad SW, Garver-Apgar CE, Thornhill R. Women's luteal-phase sexual proceptivity and the functions of extended sexuality. Psychol Sci 2013; 24:2106-10. [PMID: 23965377 DOI: 10.1177/0956797613485965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Women's sexuality, unlike that of most mammals, is not solely defined by sexual receptivity during the short window of fertility. Women demonstrate extended sexuality (in which they initiate and accept sexual advances outside of the fertile phase) more than any other mammalian female. In this light, surprisingly little research has addressed the functions of women's luteal-phase sexuality. On the basis of theory and comparative evidence, we propose that women's initiation of sex during nonfertile phases evolved in part to garner investment from male partners. If so, women should be particularly prone to initiate luteal-phase sex when the potential marginal gains are greatest. Results from a study of 50 heterosexual couples showed that women increasingly initiate sex in the luteal phase (but not the fertile phase) when they perceive their partners' investment to lag behind their own. These findings provide evidence for the distinct nature of women's extended sexuality and may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of women's sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Grebe
- 1Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
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Abstract
Verwandtschaftsbeziehungen stellen neben Partner- und Kooperationsbeziehungen einen zentralen Kontext der individuellen und sozialen Entwicklung dar und sind in der Psychologie bislang nicht ausreichend gewürdigt worden. In Soziobiologie und Evolutionspsychologie wird Verwandtschaft primär unter dem Aspekt der inklusiven Fitness betrachtet und in Bezug auf das Altruismusproblem erörtert. Basierend auf deren Annahmen wird in diesem Beitrag Verwandtschaft als eine psychologische Kategorie verstanden, die durch den proximaten Mechanismus der Regulation emotionaler Nähe und den Verzicht auf die strikte Einhaltung der Reziprozitätsnorm konstruiert wird. Dadurch können auch Nichtverwandte als verwandtschaftsgleich oder wahlverwandt wahrgenommen werden. Es wird ein integratives Modell der psychologischen Verwandtschaft postuliert, das Verwandtschaft nicht nur in Abgrenzung zu anderen Beziehungen definiert, sondern ebenso als Ergebnis eines aktiven Prozess der sozialen Beziehungsgestaltung erklärt.
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Abstract
Although female use of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) has been associated with a variety of physical side effects, the psychological and behavioral side effects have received comparatively little attention until recently. Indeed, the long-term impact of HC use on human psychology has been vastly under-researched and has only recently become a focus for mainstream scholars. Women who use HCs report higher rates of depression, reduced sexual functioning, and higher interest in short-term sexual relationships compared to their naturally-cycling counterparts. Also, HC use may alter women's ability to attract a mate, as well as the mate retention behaviors in both users and their romantic partners. Some evidence even suggests that HC use alters mate choice and may negatively affect sexual satisfaction in parous women, with potential effects on future offspring. Interestingly, HCs have become a standard method of population control for captive nonhuman primates, opening up exciting avenues for potential comparative research. Here, the existing literature on the psychobehavioral effects of HCs in humans and nonhuman primates is reviewed and discussed. The potential resulting downstream consequences for the path of human evolution and recommendations for how future research could tease apart the underlying causes of these psychobehavioral effects of HC use are discussed, including suggestions for research involving nonhuman primates.
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