Mate value both positively and negatively predicts intentions to commit an infidelity. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Starratt, Valerie G.; Weekes-Shackelford, Viviana; Shackelford, Todd K.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 104(2017)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Infidelity -- Mate value -- Agreeableness -- Commitment -- Surgency; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.07.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: As a socially monogamous species, humans generally have one committed romantic partner at a time, but sometimes engage in infidelity. Previous research has related infidelity to individual difference traits, including global assessments of "mate value" (relative value as a romantic partner on the "mating market"). We explored the extent to which one's intention to commit an infidelity is uniquely predicted by different components of mate value. The results confirm a negative relationship between one's overall mate value and one's intention to commit an infidelity, and also identify four distinct mate value components (agreeableness/commitment, surgency, emotional stability, and physical attractiveness) that uniquely predict infidelity intention. Two of these factors, surgency (for women) and agreeableness/commitment (for men), positively predict anticipated infidelity. Additionally, the results indicate that men's but not women's infidelity intention is better predicted by the combination of their own and their partner's mate value. Discussion includes interpretations of the results in terms of potential social or personal advancement. Highlights: Intent to commit infidelity is predicted by mate value using logistic regression. Total mate value negatively predicts intent to commit infidelity. Two mate value factors positively predict intent to commit infidelity. For women, surgency positively predicts sexual infidelity intent. For men, agreeableness/commitment positively predicts emotional infidelity.