Romantic Preferences in Brazilian Undergraduate Students: From the Short Term to the Long Term

Abstract

A number of studies have described different preference patterns typically found for men and women when choosing romantic mates. These vary according to the involvement level expected in the relationship. Despite the number of investigations on the topic, one must be careful not to generalize because most studies use samples composed of North American university undergraduates. This study sought to determine if the preference patterns typically found in other countries also occur among Brazilian undergraduates. The importance of characteristics and modifications in preference patterns under gradually restrictive conditions was also investigated. In general, the results obtained suggest that the preferences found in a number of countries also occur in Brazil. In short-term relationships, men prioritize physical attributes, whereas personal traits gain importance when involvement increases. Women in short-term relationships value physical and personal traits, whereas in the long term, they emphasize personal characteristics and their mate's desire to acquire resources. Resource-related traits were less important than the other traits, and were more important for women than for men.

Short-Term Positive and Negative Consequences of Sex Based on Daily Reports Among College Students

“…Because male college students place more value on physical attractiveness of their short-term and long-term sexual partners than female students do (Regan, Levin, Sprecher, Christopher, & Cate, 2000), female students may feel similarly body conscious, and thus equally likely to feel attractive or better about themselves, with both dating and non-dating partners. However, because college students see traits related to physical attractiveness as more important in short-term sexual partners (Castro & Lopes, 2010; Regan et al, 2000), sexual behavior with a non-dating partner may be a situation where male students feel body conscious, and thus less likely to feel attractive compared to days they have sex with a dating partner. Regardless of reasons for the differences, on the whole our findings suggest that relational aspects of sex are important to both male and female students.…”

Investment in Beauty, Exercise, and Self-esteem: Are They Related to Self-perception as a Romantic Partner?

“…It is argued that ancestral women were subjected to selective pressures that enabled those who chose men with greater resources, and/or capacity for resource acquisition, to have greater reproductive success compared to those who did not choose a partner with such characteristics (Brase and Guy 2004;Castro and Lopes 2011;Geary et al 2004;Pawlowski 2000). Although physical attributes appear to have less importance in female mate choice compared to male preferences (Castro and Lopes 2011), male physical appearance can also give women clues about the genetic quality of a potential partner, as well as their capacity for protection, dominance, competitive ability, and achieving high social status (Buss and Shackelford 2008).…”

“…Although physical attributes appear to have less importance in female mate choice compared to male preferences (Castro and Lopes 2011), male physical appearance can also give women clues about the genetic quality of a potential partner, as well as their capacity for protection, dominance, competitive ability, and achieving high social status (Buss and Shackelford 2008). Thus, women who choose attractive men as their romantic partners would likely be improving their own reproductive success (Buss and Shackelford 2008).…”

“…Several studies indicate that men who choose women with signs of high reproductive potential have greater reproductive success than those who choose women that do not display such signals (Buss and Schmitt 1993;Castro and Lopes 2011;Geary et al 2004;Pawlowski 2000). This reproductive potential can be signaled by physical characteristics, such as waist-to-hip ratio and reproductive age (Castro et al 2012;Hattori et al 2013;Karremans et al 2010).…”

Monogamy and Nonmonogamy: Evolutionary Considerations and Treatment Challenges

“…People who exhibit more traditionally masculine traits and people who exhibit more traditionally feminine traits may be differentially impacted by these variables. 42 …”