The Link Between Age and Partner Preferences in a Large, International Sample of Single Women

Human Nature • Vol/Iss. 34(4) • Springer • • Published In • Pages: 539-568 •
By Botzet, Laura J., Shea, Amanda, Vitzthum, Virginia J., Druet, Anna, Sheesley, Maddie, Gerlach, Tanja M.

Abstract

Does a woman’s age predict her preferences for an ideal partner? Through a cross-cultural study of heterosexual women ages 18-67 from 147 countries, the authors of this article find that age has a negligible effect on a woman’s partner preferences in general. However, they do find some relationships between age and specific preferences, such as confidence-assertiveness, intention to be a parent, and the age range deemed acceptable for a partner.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ideal Partner SurveyResearchers' OwnCross-sectional online questionnaire

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
There will not be an association between a woman’s age and her preferences for kindness-supportiveness, attractiveness, financially secure-successful, education-intelligence, or confidence-assertiveness in an ideal partner.Partially Supported
There will be an association between a woman's age and her preferences for the parenting intentions of an ideal partner.Supported
There will not be an association between a woman’s age and the age range deemed acceptable for an ideal partner.Not Supported
A woman's age will be positively associated with the youngest age deemed acceptable for a partner, while negatively associated with the oldest age deemed acceptable for a partner.Partially Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: isanaraja