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Testing Sexual Strategy Theory in Norway.
Mehmet Mehmetoglu1, Ilmari Määttänen2, Matthias Mittner1,3
1Institute for Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2024
Summary
Sexual strategy theory partially explains mate preferences. While men universally value attractiveness, women
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Human Mating Behavior
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Mate selection is a critical life decision influenced by evolved ancestral preferences.
- Sexual strategy theory (SST) posits distinct trait preferences for long-term partners between men and women.
- Understanding these preferences is key to comprehending human reproductive and relationship dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test predictions derived from sexual strategy theory regarding long-term mate preferences in adolescents.
- To investigate gender differences in the valuation of resources and physical attractiveness in romantic partners.
- To explore the influence of societal factors on mate choice behavior.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative study utilizing an online questionnaire administered to 1193 Norwegian adolescents.
- Structural equation modeling was employed to test three statistical models based on SST hypotheses.
- Analysis focused on identifying gender-specific preferences for resources and physical attractiveness.
Main Results:
- Women's preference for resources over men was significant only when controlling for materialistic traits, contradicting SST.
- Men universally valued physical attractiveness more than women, irrespective of egalitarianism or other variables.
- The findings suggest that societal factors significantly influence mate selection beyond evolutionary predictions.
Conclusions:
- Sexual strategy theory was only partially supported by the study's findings.
- Societal variables such as wealth and gender equality play a crucial role in shaping mate choice.
- Future research should integrate socio-cultural contexts when examining evolutionary explanations for mating behavior.
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