Factor, factor, on the whole, who's the best fitting of all?

The goal of the studies reported here was first to explore and confirm a factor structure of evaluations of actual and ideal partners as well as oneself, then validate the factors by testing classic hypotheses from evolutionary psychology on the factor means, and finally, to use the factors to predict self-perceived mate value and relationship satisfaction. Partner characteristics were empirically collected with open-ended questions and then rated by two large samples for actual and ideal partners as well as the self. Participants also filled in measures of self-perceived mate value and relationship satisfaction. A structure of seven correlated, first-order factors was confirmed by CFA. Factor means across sex and context were in line with evolutionary theories and previous findings about sex and context differences. Self-perceived mate value and relationship satisfaction were both predicted by factors of ratings in the respective context. However, different models emerged for mate value and satisfaction, respectively. While people evaluate actual and ideal partners as well as themselves as partners along the same factors, between-sex differences can be observed, and self-perception of mate value and relationship satisfaction seem to depend on different factors. Methodological and theoretical implications are elaborated.