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Extending parasite-stress theory to variation in human mate preferences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2012

Lisa M. DeBruine
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 3FX, Scotland, United Kingdom. l.debruine@abdn.ac.ukhttp://facelab.org/debruineben.jones@abdn.ac.ukhttp://facelab.org/bcjones
Anthony C. Little
Affiliation:
School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland, United Kingdom. anthony.little@stir.ac.ukhttp://alittlelab.com
Benedict C. Jones
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 3FX, Scotland, United Kingdom. l.debruine@abdn.ac.ukhttp://facelab.org/debruineben.jones@abdn.ac.ukhttp://facelab.org/bcjones

Abstract

In this commentary we suggest that Fincher & Thornhill's (F&T's) parasite-stress theory of social behaviors and attitudes can be extended to mating behaviors and preferences. We discuss evidence from prior correlational and experimental studies that support this claim. We also reanalyze data from two of those studies using F&T's new parasite stress measures.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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