EvoS Journal: The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium
Volume 12, Special Issue 1, 2021
Title
Does Wording Matter?: “Mate” versus “Partner” and Long-Term Relationship Preferences
Author(s)
Freyre, P. P., & Wade, T. J.
Abstract
Surveys asking for ratings of the most important characteristics for a long-term “partner” or long-term “mate” were randomly administered to heterosexual and non-heterosexual participants (N = 690). Overall, sex differences were hypothesized such that ratings from those who identified as male and female would differ. The hypothesis regarding whether differences would arise as a result of asking for “mate” versus “partner” preferences was exploratory since no prior research has investigated this to date. The results revealed no significant differences for preferences based on “partner” versus “mate” preference ratings. The hypothesis regarding overall sex differences was supported. Women rated kindness as more important than men did, and men rated physical attractiveness as more important than women did. Additionally, heterosexuals rated physical attractiveness, and health as more important than non-heterosexuals did.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59077/YGCZ5899
How to cite this article:
Freyre, P. P., & Wade, T. J. (2022). Does wording matter? “Mate” versus “partner” and long-term relationship preferences. The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium, 12, Sp. Iss. (1), 32-42.
