Do we pick the most similar or the most attractive mates?

Summary

In this video, Alexander from Date Psych reviews a new study on mate selection in the Himba pastoralist community in Africa. The study tests two hypotheses: the biological market model and the aspirational mate choice model. It finds that while people state preferences for the most desirable mates (aspirational model), actual mate choices align more with individuals of similar desirability (biological market model). The study’s findings, which align with Western data, suggest that evolutionary psychology theories on mate selection may have cross-cultural validity. Alexander emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics and welcomes new viewers from a fellow channel, Cognitive Primate.

Takeaways

• 😀 The study on mate selection and desirability focuses on an indigenous population in Africa called the Himba.
• 🧪 The Himba are often studied in evolutionary psychology and anthropology for insights into early human behavior.
• 📊 The study measures real-world mate choice with ecological validity, involving around 300 individuals with a larger number of ratings.
• 🌍 Despite being a unique population, the study's findings parallel those of Western populations, confirming some evolutionary psychology theories.
• 👫 Two main hypotheses are tested: the Biological Market Model and the Aspirational Mate Choice Model.
• 📉 The Biological Market Model suggests that more desirable individuals are more selective in their mate choices.
• 🏆 The Aspirational Mate Choice Model posits that people aim for the highest value mates they can attract.
• 💔 Results show that while people state preferences for highly desirable partners, actual mate choices align more with the Biological Market Model.
• 🔬 There is a strong correlation between similar mate value and longer relationship durations, supporting assortative mating.
• 👥 The study provides cross-cultural validation of evolutionary psychology hypotheses, showing consistent trends in mate selection behavior across different populations.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the new study discussed in the video?

The main focus of the new study is mate selection, mate value, and desirability, particularly examining real-world mate choices in an indigenous population in Africa called the Himba.

What is unique about the Himba population in the context of this study?

The Himba are pastoral and semi-nomadic people often studied in evolutionary psychology and anthropology because their lifestyle may closely resemble early human behavior, providing insights into historical mate selection and desirability.

How does the study improve upon previous research on attractiveness and mate selection?

The study improves upon previous research by measuring actual mate choice in the real world with high ecological validity, rather than relying solely on survey-based stated partner preferences.

What are the two main theoretical constructs tested in the study?

The two main theoretical constructs tested are the Biological Market Model and the Aspirational Mate Choice Model.

What does the Biological Market Model hypothesize?

The Biological Market Model hypothesizes that individuals adapt their mate choices based on the mate market environment, where more desirable individuals tend to be more selective.

What does the Aspirational Mate Choice Model propose?

The Aspirational Mate Choice Model proposes that individuals select the highest value mates they can, aiming for partners with traits that are better than their own.

How does the study measure mate desirability within the Himba community?

The study measures mate desirability by having community members rate the desirability of others within the community, including those they have had relationships with or passed up as potential mates.

What did the study find regarding the hierarchy of desirability for men and women?

The study found that the hierarchy of desirability is steeper for men, with a smaller percentage of men being rated as highly attractive, similar to findings in Western populations.

How do the study's results support both the Biological Market Model and the Aspirational Mate Choice Model?

The study supports the Biological Market Model through actual mate choices, where more desirable individuals are more selective and tend to pair with similarly rated individuals. The Aspirational Mate Choice Model is supported by stated preferences, where people express a desire for the most attractive partners.

What correlation did the study find between mate value disparity and relationship outcomes?

The study found that greater disparity in mate value between partners predicted shorter relationship durations, with relationships lasting longer when partners were similar in mate value.