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I Have, Therefore I Love: Status Quo Preference in Mate Choice.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Social Psychology

Background:

  • Established research shows individuals exhibit status quo bias, preferring existing states.
  • The endowment effect demonstrates that people value what they own more highly.
  • These biases have not been previously explored in the context of romantic partner trade-offs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate status quo preference in mate choice decisions.
  • To determine if individuals prefer maintaining their current partner over an alternative with contrasting traits.

Main Methods:

  • Seven studies were conducted with a total of 1,567 participants.
  • Participants evaluated hypothetical scenarios involving trade-offs between current and alternative partners' traits.
  • Factors influencing status quo preference, such as partner concerns and ambiguity avoidance, were examined.

Main Results:

  • Participants showed a preference for traits possessed by their current or status quo partner.
  • Concerns about partner feelings and avoiding ambiguity significantly predicted status quo preference.
  • Disapproval from social network members reduced the status quo bias in partner choice.

Conclusions:

  • Status quo bias and endowment effects play a significant role in romantic relationship decisions.
  • Individuals tend to favor their current partner, even when faced with potentially better alternatives.
  • Relational and cognitive factors underpin the preference for maintaining the status quo in mate choice.