Mate Copying Is Moderated by Relationship Recency and Potentially by Breakup Responsibility

Abstract

This study examined the phenomenon of mate copying and whether it may be affected by the recency of potential mate’s last relationship and their breakup responsibility. Mate-seekers may make inferences about the suitability of potential mates based upon such factors. Participants included 119 female and 42 male undergraduate students and members of the wider public who responded to an online questionnaire asking them to make judgments about hypothetical romantic partners. Consistent with the mate copying phenomenon and previous findings, results indicated that women considered men formerly in relationships (ending 6 months or 2 years ago) more desirable than men without relation experience or those currently partnered. However, those ending relationships more recently (within the last month) were considered less desirable. Being in a former relationship, but not too recently, may have increased mate copying (as measured by relative desirability), because of the inferences invoked about a man’s level of commitment. However, no such trend emerged for men evaluating women. Furthermore, previous relationship breakup responsibility was found to be critically important for both men and women. Individuals were rated as more desirable if their last relationship breakup was mutual compared to the conditions where either they or their former partner was responsible. It was concluded that mate-seekers are closely attentive to particular aspects of a prospective partner’s relationship history.