Naturally Selected Mate Preferences Appear to Be Androgen-Influenced: Evidence from Two Cultures

Abstract

An “enhanced” evolutionary theory called evolutionary neuroandrogenic (ENA) theory argues that gender differences in cognitive and behavioral traits result from natural selection favoring gender differences in brain exposure to androgens. This implies that even within males and females, gender dimorphic cognitive and behavioral traits should correlate with androgen exposure. The present study tests this idea regarding mate preferences. Self-reported data were obtained from college students in Malaysia (N = 2058) and the USA (N = 2511). Twelve traits were assessed in terms of their importance for mate preferences. Ten indicators of androgen exposure were factor-analyzed, resulting in a two-factor solution. The first factor appeared to reflect bone growth and neurosexual influences, while the second factor pertained to muscularity and athletic motor skills. As reported by others, pronounced gender differences were found regarding mate preferences in both countries. Concerning androgenic influences, low scores on bone growth and neurosexual factor were associated with greater mate discrimination tendencies, especially regarding a prospective mate’s resource-provisioning capabilities. Preferences for physically attractive mates were positively associated with this factor in the USA but not in Malaysia. The muscularity/athletic factor correlated positively with the assessed importance of nearly all forms of mate preferences for both men and women in both countries. ENA theory correctly predicted associations between androgen exposure and mate preferences, although there appear to be some complex nuances in the nature of androgenic influences on cognitive and behavioral traits. Testing the theory’s predictive capabilities with other universal sex differences in behavior is in order.