Perceptions of younger single adults as a function of their gender and number of children.
Research suggests that children may interfere with single parents' romantic experiences. Although both male and female single parents face these challenges, they have stronger associations with the romantic satisfaction of single mothers as compared to single fathers. The two current studies examined aspects of attractiveness and dating across various dimensions for both younger single women and men, with and without children. Results of Study 1 indicated interactive effects of target gender and parental status on perceptions of both attractiveness and dating potential. Results of Study 2 indicated differential ratings on multiple dimensions (i.e., attractiveness, stress, motivation for dating, and positive qualities) of younger single adults on the basis of gender, parental status, and the number of children single parents were reported as having. Implications for importance of social support and difficulty of repartnering are discussed.
a University of North Dakota.
Shannon
S
Sommer
Karyn M
KM
Plumm
Cheryl A
CA
Terrance
Travis
T
Tubré
D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008149:Love; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D015406:Single Parent / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
gender issues/differences; gender role/behavior; parenting