15.1.10

Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy

Test yourself

Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy

Aim: To find evidence to support the evolutionary theory of differences in sex jealousy and aggression in males and females.

Illustrative background for Role of cuckoldry Illustrative background for Role of cuckoldry  ?? "content

Role of cuckoldry

  • NB. Men face the threat of cuckoldry (having to raise offspring not genetically theirs’ as they have no way of knowing if a child is theirs’ (before DNA tests!)) and raising a child you are not genetically related to is a waste of resources in evolutionary terms. Therefore, the theory is that sexual jealousy and aggression have evolved to protect females from other suitors.
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Procedure

  • Laboratory experiments.
  • Three studies:
    • Men and women had to select a situation that would upset them more: sexual infidelity or emotional infidelity.
    • Physiological responses (heart rate and galvanic skin response) were measured while the participants imagined either sexual or emotional infidelity.
    • Tested the effects of being in a committed sexual relationship with sexual jealousy.
Illustrative background for Results & conclusionsIllustrative background for Results & conclusions ?? "content

Results & conclusions

  • Results
    • Men showed more of a response to sexual infidelity and women emotional infidelity.
  • Conclusion
    • Supports evolutionary differences in sexual jealousy between men and women. Men have evolved to protect their partners, jealously, against impregnation by a rival.
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Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Controlled and reliable.
  • Limitations
    • Forced choice methodological not valid.
    • Demand characteristics and social desirability.
    • Cultural variations.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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