Romantic relationships, ideal standards, and mate selection

• We discuss the nature of the Ideal Standards Model (ISM).
• Empirical research testing hypotheses derived from the ISM are discussed.
• Controversy regarding the role of ideal partner preferences in mate selection is discussed.
• The value of the ISM is in adopting a functional approach and focusing on dyadic influences.

In this article we discuss the origins of the Ideal Standards Model (ISM), the content of ideal standards, as well as the function of ideals in existing relationships as well as in mate selection. Empirical research testing hypotheses derived from the ISM are presented. Existing controversies, and suggestions for future research, are also discussed. We conclude that the ISM exemplifies the value of adopting a functional approach to social cognition in romantic relationships along with a focus on dyadic influences.