16.1.9

Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy

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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.

Role of cuckoldry

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.
Procedure

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.
Results & conclusions

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.
Evaluation

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Controlled and reliable.
  • Limitations
    • Forced choice methodological not valid.
    • Demand characteristics and social desirability.
    • Cultural variations.
Jump to other topics
1

Social Influence

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Memory

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Attachment

4

(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

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(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6

Approaches in Psychology

7

Biopsychology

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Research Methods

8.1

Research Methods

8.2

Scientific Processes

8.3

Data Handling & Analysis

8.4

Inferential Testing

9

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3

(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4

(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

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Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

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Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

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Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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