Related Experiment Videos
Sex differences in perceived controllability of mate value: an evolutionary perspective
S Ben Hamida1, S Mineka, J M Bailey
1Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA. sbhamida@u.washington.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 24, 1998
Summary
Men prioritize uncontrollable traits like attractiveness in partners, while women value controllable traits like status. This difference in perceived control over mate desirability may impact women's psychological well-being.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Human Mating Behavior
Background:
- Mate selection is influenced by perceived value and control over desirable traits.
- Societal and evolutionary pressures may shape differing mate preferences between sexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in the controllability of traits valued in potential partners.
- To examine the link between perceived control over mate value and psychological outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Two studies utilized questionnaires assessing the importance and controllability of 64 mate characteristics.
- Participants included undergraduate students (N=150) and a community sample (N=301).
Main Results:
- Men prioritized uncontrollable traits (e.g., youth, attractiveness) in partners.
- Women prioritized controllable traits (e.g., status, industriousness) in partners.
- Findings were consistent across both student and community samples.
Conclusions:
- Significant sex differences exist in the controllability of valued mate characteristics.
- Greater uncontrollability of traits relevant to female mate value may increase risk for negative psychological outcomes.