Review of Mating Preferences Across Relationship Lengths in Heterosexual and Non-heterosexual Relationships
Caitlin Makovicka- Morningside College
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shannon Claxton
This literature review evaluated how mating preferences change across sexual orientations and relationship lengths. Additionally, theories to help explain mating preference patterns were explored. The results showed that mating preferences did not change depending on the sexual orientation of the individual, but rather they changed due to the length of the desired relationship. Specifically, short-term relationships focused on physical characteristics whereas long-term relationships focused on attributes related to relationship success. The synthesis of the current research helps to provide insight to universal mating dynamics, as well as bring awareness to the mating preferences of individuals at particular times.
This research topic is so interesting! Thank you for expanding on this! I’m curious to know what age range this applies to? I wonder if age would make a difference in the preference of each person?
Viviana,
I am glad that you found this research topic interesting like I did. Throughout the studies used within my research, the individuals included undergraduate students and young adults. Therefore, the information from my study applies to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35. Additionally, your second question is rather interesting. Although my research did not expand on the variable of age throughout mating preferences, previous researchers have focused on the relationship of age within this topic. Overall, the researchers concluded in their studies that mating preferences tend to change depending on the age of the individual. Younger individuals tend to desire short-term relationship mating preferences, while older adults look for characteristics pertaining to long-term relationships due to implications that their current life styles have on the types of relationships that they look for.
This is a great study! I find this area of research extremely interesting. I recently conducted a study about loss aversion and mating preferences. I thought the way you divided heterosexual vs. non-heterosexual and short and long mating preferences were very interesting, excellent job!
Great literature review, Caitlin! I personally want to study intimate relationships in my graduate degree, so I find this research/study fascinating! I was wondering how you (or previous literature) specifically defined short- and long-term relationships? Was the only distinction among those seeking different lengths of relationships whether the participants wanted it to result in marriage/a life-long partner? Thanks in advance for the clarification!
Daisi Brand,
Thank you for your interest in my research. Although most of the previous research had their own different ways of defining short- and long-term relationships, I included a definition within my research paper that tries to encompass the definitions of the two types of relationships. Within my paper, I defined a short-term relationship as a limited length relationship that consists of casual dating or hook-ups that help individuals assess their interest with each other. On the other hand, I defined long-term relationships as relationships in which individuals see a future together, potentially including cohabitation, marriage, or even offspring. I hope those definitions help to answer your questions.
Very interesting topic. Good job putting it into the context of Trivers’ and others work.
In doing your research, did you come across anything that was particularly surprising/interesting or unexpected in regards to comparing mating preferences in heterosexual vs. non-heterosexual relationships?
Brian Pauwels,
While doing research on this topic, I found many interesting/surprising aspects out regarding the mating preferences in heterosexual and non-heterosexual relationships. One surprising detail that I found within non-heterosexual relationships is that individuals are treated more equally within their contribution efforts unlike those of the traditional heterosexual relationships (i.e., the man is the breadwinner, while the women has domestic obligations). Overall, I was interested to find out that the comparisons between heterosexual and non-heterosexual relationships are not as clear and simple as I once thought. Finding details about this topic helped me to discover that the differences between these relationships can only be determined when multiple factors (i.e., mating preferences, social contexts, etc.) are assessed all together.
Very interesting topic, Caitlin! However, I am curious as to what length classifies a short-term relationship and a long-term relationship in your study? I find it interesting that you included both short-term and long-term relationships as I would think that many people seek a mate for the long-term so they can get married and have children. Perhaps a short-term relationship constitutes a relationship that didn’t work out?
Shianne Figge,
Thank you for your interest in my research topic. Within my paper, I defined a short-term relationship as a limited length relationship that consists of casual dating or hook-ups that help individuals assess their interest with each other. On the other hand, I defined long-term relationships as relationships in which individuals see a future together, potentially including cohabitation, marriage, or even offspring. However, to answer your second question, I believe that a short-term relationship is one that will either be terminated or after the individuals have assessed their interest could possible transition into a long-term relationship.