Abstract
The mating effort questionnaire (MEQ) is a multi-dimensional self-report instrument that captures factors reflecting individual effort in upgrading from a current partner, investment in a current partner, and mate seeking when not romantically paired. In the current studies, we sought to revise the MEQ so that it distinguishes among two facets of mate seeking—mate locating and mate attracting—to enable a more nuanced measurement and understanding of individual mating effort. Moreover, we developed additional items to better measure partner investment. In total, the number of items was increased from 12 to 26. In Study 1, exploratory factor analysis revealed that a four-factor solution, reflecting partner upgrading, mate locating, mate attracting, and partner investment, yielded the best fit. In Study 2, this structure was replicated using confirmatory factor analysis in an independent sample. Based on extant studies documenting the relationships between psychopathy, short-term mating effort, and sexual risk taking, a structural equation model (SEM) indicated that trait psychopathy positively predicted mate locating, mate attracting, and partner upgrading and negatively predicted partner investment. A separate SEM showed that partner upgrading positively predicted risky sexual behaviors, while partner upgrading and mate locating positively predicted acceptance of cosmetic surgery.
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Data Availability
Data and analysis are available at open science framework. Albert G., (2022) Revised Mating Effort Questionnaire. Doi: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4WMEB
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This study was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant (DG) awarded to Steven Arnocky (file # RGPIN-2019-05988).
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Appendix
1. If someone is more physically attractive than my romantic partner, I will begin trying to attract that person to form a new romantic relationship, while I am still in my current one. (PU).
2. If I think I have a good chance of attracting a person who is or will be wealthier than my current romantic partner, I will begin trying to attract that person to form a new romantic relationship, while I am still in my current one. (PU).
3. If someone I am attracted to is more willing than my partner to go to fun events (e.g., concerts, comedy shows) with me, I would consider leaving my partner for that person. (PU).
4. I will have sex with someone I am romantically interested in, not long after meeting them in order to secure them as my romantic partner. (PU)
5. If my partner seems uninteresting compared to someone else that I am acquainted with, I may consider leaving my partner for that person. (PU).
6. If I feel that the relationship that I am in will not last, I begin to look for potential romantic partners even while I am still in the current relationship. (PU).
7. When I am single and looking to meet someone, I would consider online dating and matchmaking sites (e.g., Match, OkCupid, eharmony, Plenty of Fish, etc.). (ML).
8. When I am single, I would consider using matchmaking apps (e.g., Hinge, Bumble). (ML).
9. When I am single, I would consider joining clubs and organizations so that I can meet attractive women. (ML).
10. When my partner is sick, I do more than most people my age and sex would do to care for their partner. (PI).
11. When my partner is in crisis (e.g., grieving over the death of a friend or relative) I do more than most people would to care for her. (PI).
12. When I am in a relationship, it is important that my partner feels like we have an exciting sex life. (PI).
13. When I am single, I compliment women on their appearance. (MA).
14. When I am single, I compliment women on their personality. (MA).
15. When I am single, I compliment women on their intelligence. (MA).
16. When I am single, I compliment women on their sense of style. (MA).
17. When I am single, I compliment women on their kindness. (MA).
18. When I am single, I try and appear extra attractive. (MA).
19. When I am single, I wear nice clothes. (MA).
20.When I am single, I focus on getting in shape. (MA).
21. When I am in a relationship, I cook for my partner. (PI).
22. When I am in a relationship, I buy my partner expensive gifts. (PI).
23. When I am in a relationship, I take on more responsibility when my partner is under stress. (PI).
24. When I am in a relationship, I comfort my partner when she is distressed. (PI).
25. When I am in a relationship, I try and help my partner solve her problems. (PI).
26. When I am in a relationship, I work on forming a relationship with her parents. (PI).
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Albert, G., Davis, A., Bird, B.M. et al. Validating the Revised Mating Effort Questionnaire. Arch Sex Behav (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02793-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02793-2