Sex differences in the performance frequency of online mate retention behaviors

- We investigated sex differences in online mate retention behaviors.
- Women (vs. men) performed some online mate retention behaviors more frequently.
- We found evidence of convergent validity for two measures of mate retention.
- Results corroborate evolutionarily-informed hypotheses of mate retention.

People employ mate retention behaviors in response to a perceived threat of partner infidelity, in both offline and online contexts. Previous research has documented sex differences in the use of several mate retention behaviors. In the current study, we investigate sex differences in the performance frequency of mate retention behaviors in an online context. Participants (n = 234, 56% male) were Facebook users 20 to 63 years old (M = 33.1; SD = 8.5), each in a committed, heterosexual, romantic relationship of at least three months. Participants completed the Facebook Mate Retention Tactic Inventory (FMRTI) and the Mate Retention Inventory - Short Form (MRI-SF), which assess performance frequencies of mate retention behaviors in online and offline contexts, respectively. The results indicate that women perform some online mate retention behaviors more frequently than men. Additionally, the results provided evidence of convergent validity for the FMRTI and the MRI-SF.