bims-chumac 2022-11-20 papers

Issue of 2022–11–20
two papers selected by
Thomas Krichel, Open Library Society

J Soc Pers Relat. 2022 Dec;39(12): 3660-3679

Evidence of assortative mating for theory of mind via facial expressions but not language.

Emily Jackson, John Galvin, Varun Warrier, Simon Baron-Cohen, Shanhong Luo, Robin Im Dunbar, Hannah Proctor, Eva Lee, Gareth Richards.

Assortative mating is a phenomenon in which romantic partners typically resemble each other at a level greater than chance. There is converging evidence that social behaviours are subject to assortative mating, though less is known regarding social cognition. Social functioning requires the ability to identify and understand the mental states of others, i.e., theory of mind. The present study recruited a sample of 102 heterosexual couples via an online survey to test if theory of mind as measured using facial expressions (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test) or language (Stiller-Dunbar Stories Task) is associated with assortative mating. Results provide evidence of assortative mating for theory of mind via facial expressions, though there was no such effect for theory of mind via language. Assortative mating for theory of mind via facial expressions was not moderated by length of relationship nor by partner similarity in age, educational attainment, or religiosity, all variables relevant to social stratification. This suggests assortative mating for theory of mind via facial expressions is better explained by partners being alike at the start of their relationship (initial assortment) rather than becoming similar through sustained social interaction (convergence), and by people seeking out partners that are like themselves (active assortment) rather than simply pairing with those from similar demographic backgrounds (social homogamy).

Keywords: Assortative mating; Behavioural genetics; Empathizing; Evolutionary psychology; Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test; Sex differences; Stiller-Dunbar Stories Task; Theory of mind

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221106451

Front Psychol. 2022 ;13 907315

The relationship between Chinese college students' mate preferences and their parents' education level.

Wuji Lin, Jie Wang, Yutong Liu, Zhuoyu Li, Jingyuan Lin.

Parents have an influence on the formation of their children's mate preferences. This research conducted two studies to test the relationship between parents' education level and the gender role characteristics (masculinity and femininity) of ideal mate for college students, and the moderating role of urban-rural residence on this relationship. In study 1, 1,033 participants (627 females) reported their explicit attitude toward gender role characteristics for an ideal mate via the Chinese Sex Role Inventory-50. In study 2, we recruited 130 participants (66 females) and used an implicit association test to measure their implicit attitude. Regression-based analyses showed that the higher education level of parents was significantly associated with female students' mate preferences with high-femininity but low-masculinity traits. For male students, the higher education level of parents was associated with their explicit (not implicit) preferences of mates with high-masculinity but low-femininity traits. The significant moderating effect of urban-rural residence was observed in explicit preference, with the different patterns in gender groups. In conclusion, parents with higher educational attainment might bring up children who are more likely to embrace a partner with non-traditional gender roles (e.g., androgynous individuals, feminine men or masculine women).

Keywords: androgyny; education level; gender role; mate preference; parents

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907315