Early Psychosocial Stress Affects Men's Relationship Length (Report‪)‬

Short-term mating refers to a sexual relationship that takes place on a single occasion (e.g., a 1-night stand); over several days; or, at most, over a few weeks (Wiederman & Dubois, 1998). It does not refer to a steady boyfriend, girlfriend, or a potential spouse. Long-term mating refers to a relationship that takes place for more than a few months, possibly leading to a long-lasting relationship, such as marriage (Wiederman & Dubois, 1998). The aim of this study was to examine the effects early psychosocial stress (e.g., parental divorce, sexual abuse, etc.) has on relationship lengths from an evolutionary perspective. First however, we review the literature on gender differences with regards to relationship lengths. Then, we discuss evolutionary theory and evidence indicating that early psychosocial stress should affect relationship lengths. Gender differences in preferences for short- and long-term mating have been widely reported and interpreted as reflecting the differing initial reproductive investments by men and women. Women have a higher initial cost of reproduction because of a long period of gestation followed by lactation than men, for whom the contribution of sperm comparatively costs them virtually nothing (Bribiescas, 2001; Clutton-Brock & Parker, 1992; Lancaster, 1997; Symons, 1979; Trivers, 1972; Williams, 1966, 1975). Even after weaning, when parental investment could potentially be provided equally by both parents, women usually still provide more parental investment than men (Trivers, 1972).