Casting the Right Net: Childhood Socioeconomic Status Predicts Self-Perceived Mate Value and Mating Standards After Financial Threat

Abstract

Environmental stress promotes accelerated mating goals among adults with low childhood socioeconomic status (CSES). However, little is known about proximal psychological changes that would need to co-occur with shifting mating goals to ensure their success. Across five studies, we tested the possibility that one such change may occur in individuals’ self-perceived mate value, as lower self-perceived mate value could widen the pool of available partners by lowering one’s standards for suitable mates. An internal meta-analysis of the five studies revealed adults with low CSES reported lower mate value following exposure to financial threat (relative to control). Furthermore, lower self-perceived mate value predicted lower standards for indirect mating benefits and increased perceived compatibility with low-quality partners (Studies 2a–3). Similar responses were not observed among individuals from high CSES environments. The current research provides insight into one set of psychological changes that may facilitate accelerated mating goals in response to environmental stressors.