Chinese and American Individuals’ Mate Selection Criteria

Abstract

In this study, we compared Chinese and American never-married heterosexual adults’ minimum mate selection criteria ( N = 1,260) and write-in responses on additional criteria important in mate selection ( N = 756). Participants’ mean age was 25.55 years ( SD = 4.44), and data were collected in 2013. Having analyzed quantitative and qualitative data both separately and corroboratively, we discuss Chinese and American individuals’ cultural emphases and unique expressions regarding the relative prioritization of mate selection criteria and additional mate selection criteria typically not included in mate selection studies. We also compare our findings with the results of previous mate selection studies, highlighting possible developments in Chinese and American individuals’ mate selection criteria, and suggest potential modifications and extensions of existing survey items to more comprehensively capture individuals’ mate selection criteria, particularly in different cultural contexts.