Individual Differences in Sociosexual Orientation and Long Term Mate Value Preferences.

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that an individual’s sociosexuality, a measure of sexual permissiveness, is influenced by self esteem, self perceived mate value and personality, however results from past research has been mixed. Furthermore, an individual’s long term mate value preference has been found to correlate with self perceived mate value, although there is a lack of research regarding how self-esteem and personality may relate to long term mate value preferences. The present study (n = 140) looked at the affects of self-esteem, self perceived mate value and personality traits on sociosexual orientation and long term mate value preferences, from the results of a questionnaire. Any effects of gender were also examined. Only the Intellect/Imagination personality trait was found to correlate with sociosexual orientation, an interaction between gender, Intellect/Imagination and sociosexuality was also found. Self perceived mate value, self-esteem, conscientiousness, extraversion and emotional stability were found to positively correlate with long term mate value preference, gender differences were also found. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are given.