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Arbitrary social norms influence sex differences in romantic selectivity
Eli J Finkel1, Paul W Eastwick
1Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. finkel@northwestern.edu
Psychological Science
|September 17, 2009
Summary
Men become less selective in dating when they initiate contact, a finding that challenges traditional views on partner selection. This study reveals that taking the initiative boosts attraction and confidence, impacting dating behavior.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Human Mating Behavior
Background:
- Men are generally less selective than women in choosing romantic partners.
- Traditional explanations for this difference are insufficient.
- A novel hypothesis suggests approach behavior influences selectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that initiating romantic pursuit increases attraction.
- To investigate the role of approach behavior in sex differences in selectivity.
- To explore the mediating effect of self-confidence.
Main Methods:
- Speed-dating events with 350 heterosexual participants.
- Experimental manipulation: men or women rotated between partners.
- Comparison of selectivity between 'rotators' (initiators) and 'sitters' (non-initiators).
Main Results:
- Participants who rotated (approached partners) were less selective than those who remained seated.
- The typical sex difference in selectivity vanished when women rotated.
- Increased self-confidence mediated the effect of rotation on selectivity.
Conclusions:
- The act of approaching a potential partner enhances attraction and reduces selectivity.
- This finding offers a new perspective on sex differences in romantic pursuit.
- Self-confidence plays a key role in mediating the impact of approach behavior on dating selectivity.
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