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Relationship Satisfaction and Responsiveness to Nonmates’ Flirtation: Testing an Evolutionary Explanation

kimberly.ofarrell{at}mnsu.edu

Eve N. Rosenthal

Edgar C. O’Neal

Tulane University

A laboratory study and a questionnaire study examined, from an evolutionary standpoint, how relationship satisfaction and status relate to people’s responsiveness to flirtation from a nonmate. Singles perceived more flirtation (Studies 1 and 2), desired to date the nonmate (Study 1), and claimed to flirt back (Study 2) more than mates. Partial support was provided for other hypotheses. Compared to females, males regarded nonmates as more attractive and flirtatious (Study 1), but it is possible that mated females flirt back more (Study 2). People with low satisfaction claim to flirt back more (Study 2), but people with high satisfaction may actually perceive more flirtation (Study 1). Reasons for flirting back also were examined and discussed.

Key Words: flirtation • relationship satisfaction • sexual selection

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 20, No. 5, 663-674 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/02654075030205005


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