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Motivational and personality trait relationships in mate selection
Behavior Genetics
|January 1, 1976
Summary
This study examined homogamy and heterogamy in mate selection, testing Winch
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Human Behavior
Background:
- Mate selection theories explore homogamy (similarity) and heterogamy (difference).
- Winch's complementarity principles (Type I and Type II) propose psychological needs drive mate choice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate homogamy and heterogamy in married couples.
- To empirically test Winch's principles of Type I and Type II complementarity.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 82 married couples, with at least one spouse being a graduate student.
- Participants completed the 16PF (Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire), Motivational Analysis Test (MAT), and Marriage Role Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Husband-wife trait correlations were predominantly positive, contradicting Winch's Type I complementarity.
- Data did not support Winch's Type II complementarity principle.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest similarity (homogamy) may be more prevalent than complementarity in mate selection among the studied couples.
- Winch's complementarity theories require further empirical validation.