Individual Differences in How Desirable People Think They Are as a Mate

Abstract

Mate value is an important concept in mate choice research although its operationalization and understanding are limited. Here, we reviewed and evaluated previously established conceptual and methodological approaches measuring mate value and presented original research using individual differences in how people view themselves as a face-valid proxy for mate value in long- and short-term contexts. In data from 41 nations (N = 3895, M_age = 24.71, 63% women, 47% single), we tested sex, age, and relationship status effects on self-perceived mate desirability, along with individual differences in the Dark Triad traits, life history strategies, peer-based comparison of desirability, and self-reported mating success. Both sexes indicated more short-term than long-term mate desirability; however, men reported more long-term mate desirability than women, whereas women reported more short-term mate desirability than men. Further, individuals who were in a committed relationship felt more desirable than those who were not. Concerning the cross-sectional stability of mate desirability across the lifespan, in men, short- and long-term desirability rose to the age of 40 and 50, respectively, and decreased afterward. In women, short-term desirability rose to the age of 38 and decreased afterward, whereas long-term desirability remained stable over time. Our results suggest that measuring long- and short-term self-perceived mate desirability reveals predictable correlates.

Keywords: Attractiveness; Dark Triad; Mate desirability; Mate value; Mating; Sex differences.

Fig. 1

Mean self-perceived short- and long-term desirability ratings across sex and relationship status (5% error bars)

Fig. 2

Smoothing splines fitted on the association between age and short- and long-term desirability across sex (95% confidence interval)

Fig. 3

Smoothing splines fitted on the association between age and short- and long-term desirability in men and women across relationship status (95% confidence interval)