Heterosexual Romantic Relationships and Mate Preference in College Students from the U.S. and China: Cross-Cultural and Gender Difference in Beliefs and Attitudes

Authors

Feiran Chen, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2013

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This study examines how culture influences U.S. and Chinese college students’ mate preferences, and attitudes and beliefs on the following elements of romantic relationships: love as the only basis for marriage, premarital sex, and the influence of family and friends on mate choice. I surveyed 291 American participants and 292 Chinese participants and found that: Overall, American and Chinese participants vary in their mate preferences; Most American participants, especially female participants, would be more likely to “marry for love,” whereas Chinese participants, especially female participants, would be more likely to consider health and financial conditions in a mate; Chinese participants emphasize chastity more than American participants; American participants tend to consult with parents and friends, whereas Chinese participants tend to obey parents’ views about getting married.

Comments

Approved by: Stephen Stelzner, Aubrey Immelman, Linda Tennison, Rodger Narloch, Anthony Cunningham

Recommended Citation

Chen, Feiran, "Heterosexual Romantic Relationships and Mate Preference in College Students from the U.S. and China: Cross-Cultural and Gender Difference in Beliefs and Attitudes" (2013). Honors Theses, 1963-2015. 3.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/honors_theses/3