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Wiki Page Mate Value (Introduction)

Mate value derives from the original concept of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and sexual selection, and the social exchange theory of relationships. Based upon mate desirability and preferences, it underpins mate selection and the formation of romantic relationships. Primarily, mate value is the sum of certain traits perceived as desirable of which represent genetic quality and/or fitness. Specifically, one could infer that one's own mate value has a direct impact upon partner choice through the biological market theory. Here, it is believed that 'high-market' (more attractive individuals), are able to translate mate preference into actual choice, primarily due to the fact they have more to offer, such as positive health markers consequently affecting reproductive success. . Ultimately, mate value has been suggested as a 'determining factor in mate choice'.

Factors such as attractiveness and intelligence can influence perceived mate value. It has been shown preferences dictate an individual's mate value leading to the prioritising of certain characteristics by some and not others, therefore resulting in potential mates to have various mate values dependent on the mate-seekers's preferences. For example, a women looking for a long-term partner, may value a mate with high generosity to provide for potential offspring, whereas when looking for a short-term fling desirability for this trait may be lower.

Further influences of mate value may include, cultural effects, sex differences and evolutionary impacts.

Mate Value and Self-Esteem
From an evolutionary perspective, research states that self-esteem (SE) is a tool in which individuals use to calculate their own mate value for long-term relationships.

As one can imagine, the selection of mates and the possibility of the rejection and acceptance is closely associated with an individual's self-esteem. Zeigler-Hill & Shackelford (2015), state that this is due to individuals placing importance on their different values (own mate value, i.e. how attractive they believe they are as a potential partner. For example, supporting the Sociometer model of self-esteem, Leary et al (1995) , concluded that social inclusion or exclusion corresponded to the participants' level of self-esteem. For example, those who are rejected will experience a lower self-esteem. Kavanagh et al (2010) , also tested the concept of acceptance and rejection; concluding that levels of self-esteem can alter mating aspirations and mate choice.

Research by Brase & Guy (2004) looked specifically at factors affecting an individual's self-esteem with regards to mate value. It was found that factors such as age, sex and marital status were closely associated with an individual's estimate of own mate value. Consequently, individuals attempted to raise their perceived own mate value, demonstrating mate value to be a great predictor of self-esteem.

Sex Differences
Zeigler-Hill et al (2015), state that both sexes experience lower self-esteem when rejected, particularly when traits deemed important by themselves and others are devalued. However, noticeable sex differences have been highlighted by researchers, Penke & Denissen (2008) indicated that self-esteem was more closely associated with self-perceived mate value in males. Research concluded that unlike women, males' own mate value had a great effect on their self-belief, however only if they had experienced successful short-term mating previously.

Interestingly, the work of Penke & Denissen (2008) was not applicable to those in a long-term relationship. Shackelford (1998) looked at individuals in a marital context, results showed that a husband's self-esteem was negatively correlated with a women's infidelity and complaints, whereas a women's self-esteem was positively correlated with ratings of physical attractiveness.

Mate Value and Sexual Strategies
Sexual Strategies Theory, as defined by Buss and Schmitt, focuses on the strategies implemented by both men and women in acquiring mates. From an evolutionary perspective and [Parental Investment Theory], males are identified as showing preference for short-term mates, and females display preferences for long-term mates.

Research has proposed that mate value will influence the strategies used by individuals, stating that an individuals with high mate value are able to implement their preferred sexual strategy in comparison to those with lower mate value. For example, men demonstrate preferences for short-term mates; those of higher mate value will be perceived as more desirable, associated with preferred traits such as status and resources. Thus, males of greater perceived mate value are more likely to fulfil the evolutionary preference for multiple short-term mates. Muehlenbein (2010) states that "men of high-mate value and women of low mate-value will pursue short-term mating strategies". In essence, those of lower mate value are perceived as less attractive by potential mates, and as a result are less successful in mate selection and retaining mates.

Research has proposed that mate value will influence the strategies used by individuals, stating that an individuals with high mate value are able to implement their preferred sexual strategy in comparison to those with lower mate value. For example, men demonstrate preferences for short-term mates; those of higher mate value will be perceived as more desirable, associated with preferred traits such as status and resources. Thus, males of greater perceived mate value are more likely to fulfil the evolutionary preference for multiple short-term mates, Muehlenbein (2010) states that "men of high-mate value and women of low mate-value will pursue short-term mating strategies". In essence, those of lower mate value are perceived as less attractive by potential mates, and as a result are less successful in mate selection and retaining mates. .

Muehlenbein (2010) states that "men of high-ate value and women of low mate-value will pursue short-term mating strategies". In essence, those of lower mate value are perceived as less attractive by potential mates, thus are less successful in mate selection and retaining mates.

Furthermore, short-term mating is a suggested technique in order to access a potential partner's mate value; a strategy implemented by the younger population prior to producing offspring. However, a change in strategy from short-term to long-term will occur when a potential partner has a desirable mate value.