Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 15.1.9
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Strengths
- Controlled and reliable.
- Limitations
- Forced choice methodological not valid.
- Demand characteristics and social desirability.
- Cultural variations.