Abstract
The personality and hormonal correlates of mate poaching (attempting to steal another person’s partner away) and of the target
of the seducer (the mate poached) were examined in a sample 154 undergraduate university students (91 females; 63 males).
Thirteen variables were modeled into two regression equations to predict and profile mate poachers and the mate poached. Findings
revealed that (1) male mate poachers were better looking and had higher cortisol levels, lower levels of testosterone, and
reported being higher on self-esteem, cold affect, and criminal tendencies and (2) female mate poachers and targets of mate
poachers reported being more physically attractive, as did male targets of mate poachers. Sex differences in the context of
mate poaching attraction as well as the characteristics of those who are successful in their attempts to lure away another
person’s romantic partner were discussed.
of the seducer (the mate poached) were examined in a sample 154 undergraduate university students (91 females; 63 males).
Thirteen variables were modeled into two regression equations to predict and profile mate poachers and the mate poached. Findings
revealed that (1) male mate poachers were better looking and had higher cortisol levels, lower levels of testosterone, and
reported being higher on self-esteem, cold affect, and criminal tendencies and (2) female mate poachers and targets of mate
poachers reported being more physically attractive, as did male targets of mate poachers. Sex differences in the context of
mate poaching attraction as well as the characteristics of those who are successful in their attempts to lure away another
person’s romantic partner were discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-012-9974-y
- Authors
- Shafik Sunderani, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Steven Arnocky, Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada
- Tracy Vaillancourt, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002