The effects of control of resources on magnitudes of sex differences in human mate preferences

Evol Psychol. 2010 Dec 3;8(4):720-35. doi: 10.1177/147470491000800412.

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that magnitudes of sex differences in human mate preferences would be inversely related to control of resources. Specifically, we predicted that the ideal partner age, maximum and minimum partner ages tolerated and preferences for "physical attractiveness" over "good financial prospects" of female participants would approach parity with that of men with increasing control of resources. In a sample of 3770 participants recruited via an online survey, the magnitudes of sex differences in age preferences increased with resource control whereas the sex difference in preferences for "physical attractiveness" over "good financial prospects" disappeared when resource control was high. Results are inconsistent, and are discussed in the context of adaptive tradeoff and biosocial models of sex differences in human mate preferences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Esthetics
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marriage / psychology*
  • Marriage / statistics & numerical data
  • Men / psychology*
  • Models, Psychological
  • Power, Psychological
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Women / psychology*
  • Young Adult