Science discovers the code for romance

By Maria Kyriacou

Image: Thinkstock
Image: Thinkstock
A scientific study has looked into what men and women consider the most desirable traits of their partners - and it's not great news for gender stereotypes!

Chapman University in California has conducted a large-scale study which found gender was the strongest predictor of what people want in a partner.

“We looked at the extent to which attractiveness and resources are ‘desirable’ versus ‘essential’ to men and women when they are looking for a long-term partner,” said David Frederick, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at Chapman University and a co-author on the study.

The study which involved more than 28,000 heterosexual participants, showed that 80 per cent of men believed a “slender” partner was an ideal feature, in contrast to only 50 per cent of women.

Income was the strongest predictor for women, with 97 per cent indicating a steady income was an crucial factor when deciding to settle down with someone. Less male participants,  in fact 74 per cent of men, felt their partner’s financial situation was a critical factor.

The STUDY also showed both sexes get less picky as they get older, being less demanding about what makes an older partner attractive.  The older participants also aren’t as concerned with how much money their partner makes or if they  have as successful a career as they do.

Unfortunately the research played right into established stereotypes about what men and women want for the most part. Men focus on the attractiveness of their partner whilst women are drawn to financially stable partners.

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