Mate Preferences in Three Muslim-Majority Countries: Sex Differences and Personality Correlates

Abstract

Cross-cultural research on long-term mate preferences in Muslim-majority countries is scarce. The research described here aims to examine the KASER (kindness/dependability, attractiveness/sexuality, status/resources, education/intelligence, and religiosity/chastity) model of mate preferences in Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey (N = 1,089). We examined structural validity, measurement invariance between men and women, sex differences, cultural differences, and Big Five personality correlates of these dimensions of mate preferences. Findings supported preregistered hypotheses regarding sex differences in mate preferences. Multilevel models suggested that the magnitude of sex differences was invariant across cultures. Personality correlates of mate preferences varied across cultures, but agreeableness consistently predicted the preference for kind and dependable partners across cultures. In sum, sex differences in mate preferences within and across three Muslim-majority countries described here replicate previous findings, but evidence for personality correlates of mate preferences is mixed, variable across cultures, and in need of further examination in non-Western samples.

Norwegian Men and Women Value Similar Mate Traits in Short-Term Relationships

“…Some studies have provided evidence of change in preferences over time (Souza et al, 2016). Studies utilizing personality traits have provided evidence that people prefer traits that are associated to their own traits even in more traditionalistic societies such as Islamic countries (Atari et al, 2020).…”

The criteria of Chinese and South Koreans’ mate selection: A comparative study of long-term and short-term mate selection preferences in the cross-cultural perspective

“…In a cross-cultural study of the differences between Chinese and American mate selection preferences, it was found that wealth factors are predominant in Chinese mate selection preferences, while in the United States, honesty and trustworthiness are attached more importance to gradually [ 32 ]. Based on similar cultural backgrounds, differences in mate selection preferences have also been found among other countries; kindness, dependence, religion, and chastity are only positively related in Iran, according to a study on mate preferences in three Muslim-majority countries: Iran, Pakistan and Turkey [ 33 ]. A recent study on mate preferences in gender-equitable countries indicated that men and women have almost identical preferences for earning capacity [ 34 ].…”

What potential traits do adolescents and early adults look for in mate preferences?

“…Extroverts are found to be happier than introverts, particularly because social engagement plays a positive role in making a person satisfied with life-condition regardless of the personality ( Vella-Brodrick et al., 2009 ). While it is argued that monogamy has no monopoly on health, happiness, sexual or marital satisfaction ( Cox et al., 2021 ), choosing a long-term romantic partner is a major decision because it affects a person's life in many ways ( Atari et al., 2020 ). Proper mate choices are found to be associated with mental health ( Waynforth, 2007 ), social attitude ( Alford et al., 2011 ), and subjective well-being ( Kim and Hatfield, 2004 ).…”

“…Studying mate selection has become not only an intrinsically fascinating topic but also an important theme to address the dramatic cultural evolution of human mating strategy ( Buss and Schmitt, 2019 ). Many studies ( Atari et al., 2020 ; Buss, 1989 ; Buss and Barnes, 1986 ; Shackelford et al., 2005 ) report mate preferences by sex differences, and some studies relate their findings to personality differences ( Botwin et al., 1997 ; Keldal, 2020 ). Indeed, universal sex differences have been found in mate preferences; women prioritize greater financial prospects and men emphasize physical attractiveness ( Buss, 1989 ; Walter et al., 2020 ).…”