title: Sex and generational differences in desired characteristics in mate selection.
abstract: This study compared the ranking of 18 personal characteristics or qualities which college students might use in selecting a future mate and builds on six other assessment periods from 1939-1996 which dealt with this issue. Among the most consistent findings for all seven assessment periods is the high value both sexes place on dependable character, emotional stability/maturity, pleasing disposition, and mutual attraction/love. Men across all assessment periods placed a higher value than women on good health, good cook/housekeeper, and good looks, while women placed a higher value on ambitious/industrious, similar educational background, and good financial prospect. These trends could go along with ethological theory. For both sexes chastity and similar religious background gained value; however, this may be an artifact of the current sample of 100 students.
authors.affiliation: Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0030, USA.
authors.forename: Jael
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Amador
authors.forename: Tanya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.forename: Jairus
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tait
authors.forename: Herbert W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Helm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D010551:Personality; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012928:Social Desirability