Chapter 5 Mate Selection Cultural Aspects of Mate Selection Sociological Factors in Mate Selection Psychological Factors in Mate Selection Sociobiological Factors in Mate Selection Engagement Consider Calling off the Wedding If…

Complementary Needs Theory “opposites attract” Based on observation of 25 undergraduate married couples. Findings have been criticized by other researchers who have been unable to replicate the study.

Exchange Theory Select partner based on who offers the greatest rewards at the lowest cost: Rewards – Partner’s behaviors and resources. Costs – Unpleasant aspects of the relationship. Profit –Rewards exceed costs. Loss – Costs exceed rewards.

Desired Personality Characteristics Based on study of 10,000 men and women the top four characteristics for a mate were: Mutual attraction Dependable character Emotional stability/maturity Pleasing disposition

Characteristics Predictive of Divorce Poor impulse control Hypersensitivity to perceived criticism Exaggerated self-appraisal

Sociobiological Factors Select mates on the basis of biological concern for producing healthy offspring. Men select young, healthy, attractive sexually conservative women. Women select men who have economic resources to benefit offspring.

Reasons for a Prenuptial Agreement Protects assets for children. Protect assets from healthcare drain. Protect business associates. Encouraged by children. Clarify expectations.

Call off the Wedding if… Age 18 or younger. Known partner less than two years. Emotional or physical abuse in the relationship. Relationship has a lot of conflict.

Call off the Wedding if… Several significant differences such as race, religion, education. Roller coaster relationship: partners break up and get back together. Dramatic parental disapproval. Financial stress.

Best Person to Marry Someone with similar characteristics such as race, education, age, values, religion, social class, and marital status. A person with whom there is a relationship of respect and equality

Wrong Reasons to Get Married Rebound: marriage shortly after a previous relationship has ended. Escape: marriage to escape a negative situation. Psychological blackmail: marriage to a person who threatens suicide.

Wrong Reasons to Get Married Guilt: marriage out of guilt and pity rather than out of love. Fill a Void: marriage shortly after the death of a parent or loved one where a new person is sought to fill the void.