Global InformationMate value information
Mate value is derived from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and sexual selection, as well as the social exchange theory of relationships.[1][2] Mate value is defined as the sum of traits that are perceived as desirable, representing genetic quality and/or fitness, an indication of a potential mate's reproductive success.[2] Based on mate desirability and mate preference, mate value underpins mate selection and the formation of romantic relationships.
Mate value can predict availability of mates, for example, a higher mate value means one is desirable to more individuals and so can afford to be more choosy in mate selection. Thus, one's own mate value can influence trait and mate preferences, it has been shown that an individual will show preference for another who has a similar mate value, to avoid rejection.[3] Specifically, one could infer that one's own mate value has a direct impact upon partner choice through the biological market theory. Here, it is believed that 'high-market' (more attractive individuals), are able to translate mate preference into actual choice, primarily due to the fact they have more to offer, such as positive health markers, consequently affecting reproductive success[4] Ultimately, mate value has been suggested as a 'determining factor in mate choice', consequently influencing the reproductive success of an individual.[5]
Factors such as attractiveness can influence perceived mate value. It has been suggested that preferences dictate an individual's mate value, leading to the prioritising of certain characteristics by some and not others. This results in potential mates having different (subjective) mate values dependent on the mate-seekers's preferences.[6][7]
Further influences of mate value may include cultural effects, sex differences and evolutionary impacts.[8][9][10][11]
- ^ Sprecher, Susan (1998). "Social exchange theories and sexuality". Journal of Sex Research. 35 (1): 32–43. doi:10.1080/00224499809551915. JSTOR 3813163.
- ^ a b Kirsner, Beth R; Figueredo, Aurelio José; Jacobs, W.Jake (2003). "Self, friends, and lovers: structural relations among Beck Depression Inventory scores and perceived mate values". Journal of Affective Disorders. 75 (2): 131–148. doi:10.1016/S0165-0327(02)00048-4. PMID 12798253.
- ^ Tadinac, M.; Hromatko, I. (2007). "Own mate value and relative importance of a potential mate's qualities". Studia Psychologica. 49 (3)): 251–264.
- ^ Wincenciak, J.; Fincher, C. L.; Fisher, C. I.; Hahn, A. C.; Jones, B. C.; DeBruine, L. M. (2015). "Mate choice, mate preference, and biological markets: the relationship between partner choice and health preference is modulated by women's own attractiveness". Evolution and Human Behavior. 36 (4): 274–278. doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2014.12.004.
- ^ DeIuliis, S. (2013). Effects of Mate Value Difference on Relationship Length and Satisfaction (Honors Thesis). Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University.
- ^ Eastwick, Paul W.; Hunt, Lucy L. (2014). "Relational mate value: Consensus and uniqueness in romantic evaluations". Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 106 (5): 728–751. doi:10.1037/a0035884. PMID 24611897.
- ^ Li, N. P. (2012). "Intelligent priorities: Adaptive long-and short-term mate preferences". In Glenn Geher; Geoffrey Miller (eds.). Mating Intelligence: Sex, Relationships, and the Mind's Reproductive System. Psychology Press. pp. 105–120. ISBN 978-1-136-67886-8.
- ^ Buss, David M.; Shackelford, Todd K.; Kirkpatrick, Lee A.; Larsen, Randy J. (2001). "A Half Century of Mate Preferences: The Cultural Evolution of Values". Journal of Marriage and Family. 63 (2): 491–503. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00491.x.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Ben Hamida et al 1998was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Fink, Bernhard; Penton-Voak, Ian (2002). "Evolutionary Psychology of Facial Attractiveness". Current Directions in Psychological Science. 11 (5): 154–158. doi:10.1111/1467-8721.00190. S2CID 10217832.
- ^ Buss, David M. (1989). "Sex differences in human mate preferences: Evolutionary hypotheses tested in 37 cultures". Behavioral and Brain Sciences. 12 (1): 1–14. doi:10.1017/S0140525X00023992.