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Altruism as an Indicator of Good Parenting Quality in LongTerm Relationships: Further Investigations Using the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits Scale Daniel Farrelly
a
a
University of Sunderland Accepted author version posted online: 12 Feb 2013.
To cite this article: Daniel Farrelly (2013) Altruism as an Indicator of Good Parenting Quality in Long-Term Relationships: Further Investigations Using the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits Scale, The Journal of Social Psychology, 153:4, 395-398, DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2013.768595 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2013.768595
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages,
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The Journal of Social Psychology, 2013, 153(4), 395–398 Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
REPLICATIONS AND REFINEMENTS Altruism as an Indicator of Good Parenting Quality in Long-Term Relationships: Further Investigations Using the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits Scale DANIEL FARRELLY University of Sunderland
ABSTRACT. Research has shown that altruism plays a role in mate choice, and recent studies suggest it is most important for long-term relationships. This study examined whether altruism is preferred for long-term relationships for both males and females. This was achieved using two versions of the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits (MPAT) scale that assessed preferences for short-term and long-term relationships. Both males and females significantly preferred altruistic mates for long-term relationships, and the size of this preference was greater than for other traits in mate choice. This provides support for previous findings that state that altruism conveys information about an individual’s partner/parenting qualities or good character. Keywords: altruism, cooperation, evolutionary psychology, parenting, relationships, sexual selection
RECENT RESEARCH THAT EXAMINES THE ROLE sexual selection plays in explaining altruistic behaviors (e.g. Miller, 2000) has concentrated on the effect of relationship duration in preferences for altruism. Farrelly (2011) found that females rated altruistic traits more desirable for long-term (LT) than short-term (ST) relationships. He concludes from this that altruism conveys information about an individual’s “good parent/partner” qualities as such traits are more important for LT relationships, where they will be valuable for
Address correspondence to Daniel Farrelly, University of Sunderland, Department of Psychology, David Goldman Informatics Centre, Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peters, Sunderland SR6 0DD, UK; [email protected] (e-mail). 395
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
396
The Journal of Social Psychology
offspring care and relationship quality (Kokko, 1998; Miller, 2007). Barclay (2010) examined both female and male preferences for altruistic ST and LT partners, and found that altruists were more desired for LT partners than nonaltruists for both sexes. He also concludes that altruism signals good “character” due to it being preferred in LT partners, and such traits are important for both males and females due to the importance of human bi-parental care of offspring. The aim of this study was to replicate these findings by further exploring male and female preferences for altruism in the context of both ST and LT romantic relationships. This was achieved using the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits (MPAT) scale, which measures the desirability of altruistic behaviors in potential mates (Phillips, Barnard, Ferguson, & Reader, 2008). Increased LT preferences for altruism in the MPAT were also compared with other preferred traits in mates, measured with the General Mate Preference (GMP) scale (Hill, 1945). This was to control for the increased desirability of most traits in mate choice as relationship length increases (Kenrick, Sadalla, Groth, & Trost, 1990). It was predicted that MPAT scores would be higher for LT than ST relationships, and also that there would be no sex difference for this preference. Finally, it was predicted that the size of this difference between ST and LT scores would be higher for the MPAT than for the GMP. Method The sample (N = 384) consisted of 246 females (mean age/SD = 22.96/ 5.87) and 138 males (mean age/SD = 22.54/6.22). Participants were presented with all nine items of the MPAT scale, randomly included within all eighteen items of the GMP scale, in order to disguise the true aim of the study (Phillips et al., 2008). Both scales included items describing behaviors or characteristics of potential mates, and participants rated the desirability of items in both scales on a 5-point Likert-type scale, ranging from 1 (not at all desirable) to 5 (extremely desirable). Examples of items include “donates blood regularly” from the MPAT, and “is in good health” from the GMP. Participants completed two versions; one rating behaviors/characteristics in terms of their desirability in partners for ST relationships, and one for LT relationships. The order these were completed was randomized. The Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability scale (Crowne & Marlowe, 1964) then followed to control for social desirability, which was used as a covariate in the data analysis. Cronbach’s α values were calculated separately by sex and by relationship length, with all coefficients between .93 and .95. Significant positive correlations were found between MPAT and GMP scores for both ST (r(384) = .36, p < .001) and LT (r(384) = .49, p < .001) versions, providing further support for the MPAT’s construct validity (Phillips et al., 2008).
Farrelly
397
A repeated measures ANCOVA on MPAT scores as the dependent variable, with relationship length (LT vs. ST) and participant sex as independent variables, with social desirability score and version order (LT first vs. ST first) as covariates, found a significant main effect of relationship length, F (1, 380) = 12.33, p < .001, η2 = .03. Scores for LT relationships (M = 25.4, SD = 8.57) were higher than for ST relationships (M = 23.11, SD = 8.77). There was also a significant main effect of participant sex, F (1, 380) = 7.78, p < .01, η2 = .02, with females (M = 25.09, SD = 7.82) having higher overall scores on the MPAT than males (M = 22.77, SD = 7.83), however the interaction between relationship length and sex was not significant. Also, the percentage change from ST to LT versions of both the MPAT and the GMP scales for each participant were calculated, and a repeated measures ANCOVA was conducted on these differences, with questionnaire (MPAT vs. GMP) and participant sex as independent variables, with the same covariates as above (see Figure 1). A significant main effect of questionnaire type, F (1, 380) = 9.87, p < .005, η2 = .025, revealed higher percentage increases from ST to LT versions for the MPAT (M = 18.69%, SD = 47.61%) than the GMP (M = 13.88%, SD = 24.89%). There was no significant effect of sex, or interaction between sex and relationship length. These results supported all predictions. Individuals rated the desirability of altruistic traits higher in LT than ST romantic relationships; and there was no sex difference for the size of this LT preference for altruistic partners. This replicates
25 Percentage increase for LT (%)
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
Results and Discussion
20 15 Males 10
Females
5 0
MPAT
GMP
FIGURE 1. Mean percentage increase for LT version (±S.E.) for both MPAT and GMP.
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
398
The Journal of Social Psychology
the findings of Barclay (2010) and Farrelly (2011). Also the size of this LT preference for altruism was higher than for general mate preferences, which suggests that although the desirability of traits in mate choice increase as relationship duration does (Kenrick et al., 1990), this is even greater for altruism due to the qualities it signals. Finally, the high reliability and validity of the MPAT found here provides further support for its use in research on the role of altruism in mate choice. In conclusion, these findings expand our understanding of the role of altruism in relationships by supporting the view that altruism indicates “good parent/partner” qualities or “good character” in mate choice. This marks an important contribution, as now that evidence grows for what altruism actually signals, further work can build on this by exploring the separate contributions of different classes of altruistic behaviors (such as “kindness” and “heroism”), as well as more naturalistic and cross-cultural examples of altruism in mate choice. AUTHOR NOTE Daniel Farrelly is affiliated with the Department of Psychology, University of Sunderland. REFERENCES Barclay, P. (2010). Altruism as a courtship display: Some effects of third-party generosity on audience perceptions. British Journal of Psychology, 101, 123–135. Crowne, D. P., and Marlowe, D. (1964). The approval motive: Studies in evaluative dependence. New York, NY: Wiley. Farrelly, D. (2011). Cooperation as a signal of genetic or phenotypic quality in female mate choice? Evidence from preferences across the menstrual cycle. British Journal of Psychology, 102, 406–443. Hill, R. (1945). Campus values in mate selection. Journal of Home Economics, 37, 354–358. Kenrick, D. T., Sadalla, E. K., Groth, G., & Trost, M. R. (1990). Evolution, traits, and the stages of human courtship: Qualifying the parental investment model. Journal of Personality, 58, 97–116. Kokko, H. (1998). Should advertising parental care be honest? Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B, 265, 1871–1878. Miller, G. F. (2000). The mating mind: How sexual choice shaped the evolution of human nature. London, UK: William Hienemann. Miller, G. F. (2007). Sexual selection for moral virtues. Quarterly Review of Biology, 82, 97–125. Phillips, T., Barnard, C., Ferguson, E., & Reader, T. (2008). Do humans prefer altruistic mates? Testing a link between sexual selection and altruism towards non-relatives. British Journal of Psychology, 99, 555–572.
Received July 20, 2012 Accepted January 16, 2013
The Journal of Social Psychology Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/vsoc20
Altruism as an Indicator of Good Parenting Quality in LongTerm Relationships: Further Investigations Using the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits Scale Daniel Farrelly
a
a
University of Sunderland Accepted author version posted online: 12 Feb 2013.
To cite this article: Daniel Farrelly (2013) Altruism as an Indicator of Good Parenting Quality in Long-Term Relationships: Further Investigations Using the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits Scale, The Journal of Social Psychology, 153:4, 395-398, DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2013.768595 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2013.768595
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages,
and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content.
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
The Journal of Social Psychology, 2013, 153(4), 395–398 Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
REPLICATIONS AND REFINEMENTS Altruism as an Indicator of Good Parenting Quality in Long-Term Relationships: Further Investigations Using the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits Scale DANIEL FARRELLY University of Sunderland
ABSTRACT. Research has shown that altruism plays a role in mate choice, and recent studies suggest it is most important for long-term relationships. This study examined whether altruism is preferred for long-term relationships for both males and females. This was achieved using two versions of the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits (MPAT) scale that assessed preferences for short-term and long-term relationships. Both males and females significantly preferred altruistic mates for long-term relationships, and the size of this preference was greater than for other traits in mate choice. This provides support for previous findings that state that altruism conveys information about an individual’s partner/parenting qualities or good character. Keywords: altruism, cooperation, evolutionary psychology, parenting, relationships, sexual selection
RECENT RESEARCH THAT EXAMINES THE ROLE sexual selection plays in explaining altruistic behaviors (e.g. Miller, 2000) has concentrated on the effect of relationship duration in preferences for altruism. Farrelly (2011) found that females rated altruistic traits more desirable for long-term (LT) than short-term (ST) relationships. He concludes from this that altruism conveys information about an individual’s “good parent/partner” qualities as such traits are more important for LT relationships, where they will be valuable for
Address correspondence to Daniel Farrelly, University of Sunderland, Department of Psychology, David Goldman Informatics Centre, Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peters, Sunderland SR6 0DD, UK; [email protected] (e-mail). 395
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
396
The Journal of Social Psychology
offspring care and relationship quality (Kokko, 1998; Miller, 2007). Barclay (2010) examined both female and male preferences for altruistic ST and LT partners, and found that altruists were more desired for LT partners than nonaltruists for both sexes. He also concludes that altruism signals good “character” due to it being preferred in LT partners, and such traits are important for both males and females due to the importance of human bi-parental care of offspring. The aim of this study was to replicate these findings by further exploring male and female preferences for altruism in the context of both ST and LT romantic relationships. This was achieved using the Mate Preferences Towards Altruistic Traits (MPAT) scale, which measures the desirability of altruistic behaviors in potential mates (Phillips, Barnard, Ferguson, & Reader, 2008). Increased LT preferences for altruism in the MPAT were also compared with other preferred traits in mates, measured with the General Mate Preference (GMP) scale (Hill, 1945). This was to control for the increased desirability of most traits in mate choice as relationship length increases (Kenrick, Sadalla, Groth, & Trost, 1990). It was predicted that MPAT scores would be higher for LT than ST relationships, and also that there would be no sex difference for this preference. Finally, it was predicted that the size of this difference between ST and LT scores would be higher for the MPAT than for the GMP. Method The sample (N = 384) consisted of 246 females (mean age/SD = 22.96/ 5.87) and 138 males (mean age/SD = 22.54/6.22). Participants were presented with all nine items of the MPAT scale, randomly included within all eighteen items of the GMP scale, in order to disguise the true aim of the study (Phillips et al., 2008). Both scales included items describing behaviors or characteristics of potential mates, and participants rated the desirability of items in both scales on a 5-point Likert-type scale, ranging from 1 (not at all desirable) to 5 (extremely desirable). Examples of items include “donates blood regularly” from the MPAT, and “is in good health” from the GMP. Participants completed two versions; one rating behaviors/characteristics in terms of their desirability in partners for ST relationships, and one for LT relationships. The order these were completed was randomized. The Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability scale (Crowne & Marlowe, 1964) then followed to control for social desirability, which was used as a covariate in the data analysis. Cronbach’s α values were calculated separately by sex and by relationship length, with all coefficients between .93 and .95. Significant positive correlations were found between MPAT and GMP scores for both ST (r(384) = .36, p < .001) and LT (r(384) = .49, p < .001) versions, providing further support for the MPAT’s construct validity (Phillips et al., 2008).
Farrelly
397
A repeated measures ANCOVA on MPAT scores as the dependent variable, with relationship length (LT vs. ST) and participant sex as independent variables, with social desirability score and version order (LT first vs. ST first) as covariates, found a significant main effect of relationship length, F (1, 380) = 12.33, p < .001, η2 = .03. Scores for LT relationships (M = 25.4, SD = 8.57) were higher than for ST relationships (M = 23.11, SD = 8.77). There was also a significant main effect of participant sex, F (1, 380) = 7.78, p < .01, η2 = .02, with females (M = 25.09, SD = 7.82) having higher overall scores on the MPAT than males (M = 22.77, SD = 7.83), however the interaction between relationship length and sex was not significant. Also, the percentage change from ST to LT versions of both the MPAT and the GMP scales for each participant were calculated, and a repeated measures ANCOVA was conducted on these differences, with questionnaire (MPAT vs. GMP) and participant sex as independent variables, with the same covariates as above (see Figure 1). A significant main effect of questionnaire type, F (1, 380) = 9.87, p < .005, η2 = .025, revealed higher percentage increases from ST to LT versions for the MPAT (M = 18.69%, SD = 47.61%) than the GMP (M = 13.88%, SD = 24.89%). There was no significant effect of sex, or interaction between sex and relationship length. These results supported all predictions. Individuals rated the desirability of altruistic traits higher in LT than ST romantic relationships; and there was no sex difference for the size of this LT preference for altruistic partners. This replicates
25 Percentage increase for LT (%)
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
Results and Discussion
20 15 Males 10
Females
5 0
MPAT
GMP
FIGURE 1. Mean percentage increase for LT version (±S.E.) for both MPAT and GMP.
Downloaded by [Memorial University of Newfoundland] at 06:50 08 September 2013
398
The Journal of Social Psychology
the findings of Barclay (2010) and Farrelly (2011). Also the size of this LT preference for altruism was higher than for general mate preferences, which suggests that although the desirability of traits in mate choice increase as relationship duration does (Kenrick et al., 1990), this is even greater for altruism due to the qualities it signals. Finally, the high reliability and validity of the MPAT found here provides further support for its use in research on the role of altruism in mate choice. In conclusion, these findings expand our understanding of the role of altruism in relationships by supporting the view that altruism indicates “good parent/partner” qualities or “good character” in mate choice. This marks an important contribution, as now that evidence grows for what altruism actually signals, further work can build on this by exploring the separate contributions of different classes of altruistic behaviors (such as “kindness” and “heroism”), as well as more naturalistic and cross-cultural examples of altruism in mate choice. AUTHOR NOTE Daniel Farrelly is affiliated with the Department of Psychology, University of Sunderland. REFERENCES Barclay, P. (2010). Altruism as a courtship display: Some effects of third-party generosity on audience perceptions. British Journal of Psychology, 101, 123–135. Crowne, D. P., and Marlowe, D. (1964). The approval motive: Studies in evaluative dependence. New York, NY: Wiley. Farrelly, D. (2011). Cooperation as a signal of genetic or phenotypic quality in female mate choice? Evidence from preferences across the menstrual cycle. British Journal of Psychology, 102, 406–443. Hill, R. (1945). Campus values in mate selection. Journal of Home Economics, 37, 354–358. Kenrick, D. T., Sadalla, E. K., Groth, G., & Trost, M. R. (1990). Evolution, traits, and the stages of human courtship: Qualifying the parental investment model. Journal of Personality, 58, 97–116. Kokko, H. (1998). Should advertising parental care be honest? Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B, 265, 1871–1878. Miller, G. F. (2000). The mating mind: How sexual choice shaped the evolution of human nature. London, UK: William Hienemann. Miller, G. F. (2007). Sexual selection for moral virtues. Quarterly Review of Biology, 82, 97–125. Phillips, T., Barnard, C., Ferguson, E., & Reader, T. (2008). Do humans prefer altruistic mates? Testing a link between sexual selection and altruism towards non-relatives. British Journal of Psychology, 99, 555–572.
Received July 20, 2012 Accepted January 16, 2013
