Variables affecting mate selection.

Abstract

This study examines mate selection from an evolutionary standpoint. Variables such as gender role orientation and impostor characteristics are considered as well. Participants completed questionnaires concerning their preference for a mate. Gender role orientation was measured using the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (Spence, Helmreich, & Stapp, 1974). Impostor characteristics were measured by the Clance (1985) Impostor Phenomenon Scale. The results revealed that men do prefer women to be more physically attractive than themselves and similar in age. Women were found to prefer their mates to be older than themselves and the same in terms of successfulness. No differences were found between the different gender role orientations or high and low impostors in terms of selecting a mate. possible explanations and implications of these findings are discussed.