Evolutionary approaches suggest that the mate selection process is ultimately driven by the desire to successfully pass on one's genes, such that each individual is trying to maximize his or her reproductive fitness when choosing a mate. According to evolutionary theory, factors that enhance reproductive fitness (e.g., health, certain personality attributes) should influence one's mate value. For example, individuals who appear to be kind may have a higher mate value. However, existing research has not examined whether these qualities enhance one's mate value upon first meeting. Using a speed-dating design, a sample of 387 previously unacquainted men and women were asked to get to know one another in pairs and then asked to make ratings of one another on a variety of variables. These ratings were used as an indication of romantic interest and mate value. Participants were also measured on a number of individual-level variables thought to influence mate value such as personality, psychopathology, physical dimensions, observer ratings of physical attractiveness, and for women, the stage of their menstrual cycle. Using the Social Relations Model, ratings of romantic interest during the speed-dating study were correlated with the individual-level variables in order to examine whether certain individual-level variables were associated with greater perceived romantic interest and thereby served to enhance mate value. Results revealed that college-aged men were more interested in women who were outgoing, prone to rule-breaking behavior, and physically attractive, whereas college-aged women were typically interested in men who were low on neuroticism and internalizing psychopathology and were more assertive. Results generally suggest that participants seem to select potential mates on some characteristics related to long term mate value but also on some characteristics that may primarily be valuable for short term mating strategies.
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