Misguided attraction: The contribution of normative and individual-differences components of the sexual system to mating preferences

We examined the contribution of variations in sexual-system functioning, namely, sexual hyperactivation (heightened sex-related desire and worries) and sexual deactivation (suppression of sexual behavior and thoughts), to mating preferences. Participants (N = 78) completed a questionnaire assessing sexual hyperactivation and deactivation and rated their interest in videotaped potential romantic partners in two mating conditions (long-term, short-term). Sexual hyperactivation was associated with increased short-term mating interest and a greater reliance on gender-typical mating preferences (e.g., lower short-term standards among men). Sexual deactivation was associated with gender-atypical mating preferences among men (e.g., short-term preference for high-status women). These findings highlight the role of individual differences in sexual system functioning in shaping mating preferences.

► Sexually hyperactivated men and women display elevated short-term mating interest. ► Sexually hyperactivated men display lower short-term attractiveness standards. ► Sexually hyperactivated women display higher short-term attractiveness standards. ► Sexually deactivated women display lower short-term mating interest. ► Sexually deactivated men prefer as short-term mates women high in economic status.