1. 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…

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.