Overview
This lecture explores the science of mate choice, highlighting evolutionary frameworks, universal and sex-specific preferences, mechanisms of deception, the "dark triad," jealousy, attachment styles, and implications for healthy relationship dynamics.
Theoretical Framework for Mate Choice
- Darwin’s sexual selection theory explains mate choice through intra-sexual competition and preferential mate choice.
- Intra-sexual competition involves same-sex battles for mates, influenced by qualities related to status and position.
- Preferential mate choice occurs when one sex agrees on desirable traits, giving those who possess them a mating advantage.
Universal and Sex-Differentiated Mate Preferences
- Both sexes universally value intelligence, kindness, mutual attraction, good health, and dependability in long-term mates.
- Women prioritize earning capacity, ambition, older age, and resource trajectory in long-term partners.
- Men prioritize physical attractiveness, youth, and signs of fertility (e.g., clear skin, symmetrical features, low waist-to-hip ratio).
- “Mate choice copying” occurs when someone is seen as more attractive if desired by others.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Mating Preferences
- Short-term mating: Physical appearance is prioritized by both sexes; women also find "bad boy" qualities more attractive.
- Men may lower their standards in short-term, low-commitment contexts.
- Women may use cues like social proof (other women’s interest) more in short-term mating.
Deception in Mate Selection
- Both sexes use deception to enhance perceived desirability (e.g., edited photos, exaggerating traits).
- Men exaggerate alignment in values; women may use mate choice copying.
- Assessing qualities like emotional stability requires time and shared experiences.
Jealousy and Mate Guarding
- Jealousy is evolved to protect romantic investments against threats like infidelity or mate poachers.
- Jealousy can arise from mate value discrepancies, not just direct threats.
- Vigilance and, in some cases, violence (e.g., stalking) are mate-guarding behaviors, with men more frequently being stalkers.
The Dark Triad and Mating Behavior
- The "dark triad": narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
- Individuals high in these traits are more likely to deceive, pursue short-term mating, and engage in sexual coercion.
Attachment Styles and Relationship Stability
- Secure attachment fosters long-term relationship success.
- Avoidant attachment is linked to intimacy issues and higher infidelity risk; anxious attachment leads to clinging behaviors.
Assessing Mate Value
- People are generally good at evaluating their own and others’ mate value, influenced by self-esteem and social consensus.
- Mate value is partly consensual (agreed by many) and partly individual (based on personal preferences).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sexual Selection — Evolutionary process favoring traits leading to mating success.
- Intra-sexual Competition — Rivalry within the same sex for access to mates.
- Preferential Mate Choice — Selection based on commonly desired traits by one sex.
- Mate Value — A person’s overall desirability as a romantic partner.
- Mate Choice Copying — Increased attractiveness of individuals desired by others.
- Dark Triad — Personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy.
- Attachment Styles — Patterns of relating in relationships (secure, avoidant, anxious).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the concepts of sexual selection and mate choice frameworks.
- Read about the "dark triad" and its impact on relationships.
- Consider self-reflection exercises to assess personal mate value and attachment style.
- Optional: Explore recommended books for deeper understanding of evolutionary psychology and human mating strategies.