The influence of environmental and social characteristics on women's mate preferences

Abstract

Mating preferences were among the most studied human mating features, as they are the glue that helps form a romantic relationship. We investigated the influence of a broad series of environmental characteristics (e.g., resource scarcity, corruption, physical safety and integrity, insufficient jobs, inadequate medical and educational infrastructure) on women's mate preferences (Study 1, N = 211) and attraction to male narcissists (Study 2, N = 223). We also investigated the link between women's Dark Triad traits and perceived mate value on women's mate preferences in conditions of harsh vs. stable environments (Study 1). In stable environments, we found that women would prefer men interested in long-term relationships, with a pleasant personality and parenting skills (e.g., kind and cooperative). In contrast, in harsh environments, women would prefer men high on resources gathering characteristics (e.g., good cook-housekeepers, with well-off family backgrounds, good economic prospects). In Study 2, we found that women would be more attracted by males high on narcissism in the condition of harsh environments. Finally, we showed that women's Dark Triad traits and perceived mate value were associated with variations in women mate preferences in both conditions.