Mate Choice Plurality, Choice Overload, and Singlehood: Are More Options Always Better?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Behavioral Economics

Background:

• Mate selection is complex, influenced by the number of available options.
• An abundance of choices may lead to mate choice overload and relationship instability.
• Cultural context, such as in Greece, can shape mate selection dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of mate choice plurality on singlehood duration and relationship commitment in Greece.
• To explore the mediating roles of choice overload and regret in the relationship between mate choice plurality and relationship outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized closed-ended questionnaires with AI-developed instruments.
• Surveyed 804 Greek-speaking participants on perceived mate availability and relationship status.
• Employed statistical analysis to examine associations between variables.

Main Results:

• Perceived mate choice plurality correlated with a lower likelihood and shorter duration of singlehood.
• Higher perceived mate choices led to increased choice overload and regrets.
• Choice overload and regret were associated with lower relationship satisfaction and willingness to stay in a relationship, especially for men.

Conclusions:

• Mate choice plurality has a dual effect: it can reduce singlehood but also foster dissatisfaction and instability in relationships.
• Choice overload and regret are key mediators in the negative impact of abundant options on relationship commitment.
• Gender differences exist, with men showing a significant indirect effect of mate choice plurality on relationship willingness via regret.