In a world dominated by superficial characteristics, a recent study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior offers a novel viewpoint on love preferences. Brazilian researchers undertook a comprehensive assessment of the characteristics that people emphasize when choosing a spouse. According to the lead researcher of the Institute of Psychology at the University of Sao Paulo, Joao Francisco Goes Braga Takayanagi, “Choosing a romantic partner is a very ordinary, but also extremely intriguing process.”
The study included 778 cisgender Brazilians aged 18 to 64, representing a wide range of sexual orientations: heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual men and women. These participants were recruited through social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
Curating your ideal partner: insights from the budgeted mate design task
To investigate the complexities of partner choices, the study used a novel methodology known as the budgeted mate design task. This assignment required participants to allocate points based on numerous attributes such as intelligence, friendliness, physical attractiveness, health, and socioeconomic standing, all within a set budget. Participants were provided with three different budget scenarios: low, medium, and high, each with a limited number of points to allocate among the five attributes to create their dream match. With 778 individuals of all ages and sexual orientations, the study provided a thorough examination of partner preferences.
A tale of two preferences: gender and sexual orientation dynamics
While intelligence and kindness were identified as generally desirable attributes, the study found significant differences driven by gender and sexual orientation. Heterosexual men showed a higher preference for physical appearance, which is consistent with evolutionary theories that favor attributes related to reproduction and health. Individuals attracted to men, on the other hand, placed a higher value on socioeconomic standing, which is consistent with historical considerations of resource access and progeny survival. Bisexuals demonstrated a distinct predilection for compassion, highlighting the intricate interaction of factors influencing partner preferences.
Despite the universal attraction of intelligence and kindness, the researchers discovered differences in how these and other attributes were valued when the data was analyzed through the lenses of gender and sexual orientation. Heterosexual men, for example, placed a strong focus on physical appearance, rating it substantially higher than their heterosexual peers. This discovery is consistent with evolutionary theories that suggest physical attractiveness is a crucial predictor of fertility and health, attributes that males have traditionally prized in partner selection.
Evolutionary perspectives: understanding the significance of certain traits
The study’s findings provide important insights into the evolutionary basis for partner preferences. Intelligence and kindness emerged as key characteristics, recognized for their contributions to cognitive capacity and emotional warmth. Physical attractiveness and socioeconomic status, while still important, were found to have diminishing returns above specific thresholds, emphasizing the complexities of attraction in human relationships.
The budgeted mate design exercise found that preferences for intellect and kindness grew even more prominent under greater budget scenarios, implying that when people have more ‘resources’ at their disposal, they choose to ‘invest’ more heavily in these characteristics. In contrast, the value placed on physical appearance and socioeconomic position declined as the budget increased, implying that these attributes may be regarded as less important when individuals have more options.
Bridge the gap: from preferences to real-world dynamics
Understanding the factors that drive attraction and compatibility is critical to developing healthy and lasting relationships. Individuals who prioritize attributes like intelligence and kindness can form deeper friendships based on mutual understanding and emotional resonance. The study’s findings provide a road map for navigating the complexity of mate choosing, emphasizing the value of qualities that go beyond surface appearances.
Caveats to consider:
While the study provides useful information about partner preferences, it is vital to recognize its limits. Takayanagi, the study’s lead researcher, points out, “An important caveat of this study is that it was based on people’s reported preferences, and what they say they like may not match exactly what they are actually looking for.”
Takayanagi goes on to explain that though their method is not perfect, it allowed the team to cast a wider net in terms of sample size, and gain a better understanding of people’s likes and dislikes in general. He encourages the continued studies of people in real-life situations, such as speed dating events, to add to our understanding of the difference between what people report and their actual behavior.
Source study: Archives of Sexual Behavior— What do different people look for in a partner? Effects of sex, sexual orientation, and mating strategies on partner preferences
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