Testing Sexual Strategy Theory in Norway

Abstract

Choosing a romantic partner for a long-term relationship is one of the most significant decisions one makes during a lifetime. We have inherited an evolved framework from our ancestors that contains traits as well as preferences for these traits to solve this task. We use this framework consciously or unconsciously to choose prospective romantic partners. Following this reasoning, sexual strategy theory (SST) has been proposed to predict [which traits]{.highlight} women and men prefer in a romantic partner for a long-term relationship. These predictions are empirically tested in the current work based on a sample of 1193 Norwegian adolescents who responded to an online questionnaire. We [implement]{.highlight} the study hypotheses, derived from SST, in three statistical models, which are tested using structural equation modelling. In brief, our results reveal that [women value resources more than men only when we control for materialistic trait]{.highlight}. This finding contrasts SST's prediction that women would value resources more than men, [independent of other variables]{.highlight}. As for the second prediction that men value physical attractiveness more than women, this pattern exists [universally and is independent of, for instance, how egalitarian they are]{.highlight}. We thus conclude that SST is only partially supported and that variables that may reflect societal circumstances (e.g. wealth, gender equality) should be considered when examining the mate choice behaviour of women and men. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are also discussed.