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Sex differences in romantic love attitudes among college students
1Department of Psychology, Daemen College, Amherst, NY 14226.
Psychological Reports
|August 1, 1993
Summary
This study found that men and women prioritize different aspects of romantic love. Women value marriage, family, and traditional behaviors, while men emphasize sexual aspects and drug use, aligning with gendered expectations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Previous research identified seven dimensions of romantic love using factor analysis.
- Understanding gender differences in the perception of romantic love is crucial for relationship psychology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the seven dimensions of romantic love differ in importance between men and women.
- To test hypotheses based on the 'sexual double standard' and theories of security-related stimuli in romantic perceptions.
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis was used in prior research to establish dimensions of romantic love.
- This study compared the perceived importance of these dimensions across genders based on specific hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Women rated Marriage and Family, Traditional Romantic Behavior, Routine Activities, and Religion as more important romantic dimensions.
- Men rated Sexual Behavior, Aberrant Sex, and Drugs as more important romantic dimensions.
- Results fully supported the study's predictions regarding gendered differences in romantic love dimensions.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the existence of gendered differences in what constitutes romantic love.
- These differences align with societal expectations, including the 'sexual double standard' and differing importance of security-related stimuli.