Do Human Life History Traits Predict Mate Choice Copying in Women?

Abstract Mate choice copying is a form of social learning in which an individual’s mate selection is influenced by the choices of same-sex peers, thereby altering the perceived attractiveness of a potential mate. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among women in long-term mating contexts, where informational constraints may limit their ability to assess a mate’s value independently. Research suggests that women with a stronger preference for long-term relationships exhibit a greater tendency to engage in mate choice copying. This study explores whether women with slower life history traits, represented by a higher level of parenting, a lower level of mating, and slower developmental milestones exhibit higher mate choice copying tendencies. 214 Iranian women, aged 18–45, completed an online survey comprising demographic questions, life history strategies, mating and parenting efforts, and early life stress indicators. Participants evaluated the attractiveness of potential mates from images accompanied by positive, negative, or neutral descriptions in both long-term and short-term contexts. Positive and negative descriptions increased and decreased attractiveness ratings compared with the neutral ones, respectively. Larger changes were observed in long-term versus short-term contexts. Parenting and mating efforts were significant predictors of mate choice copying in negative but not positive scenarios. Life history strategies mediated the relationship between early life conditions (parental investment and punishment) and mate choice copying in short-term negative contexts. Age at menarche was not associated with mate choice copying in any situation. This study partly supports the idea that human life history traits influence mate choice copying, with slow life history strategy women being more likely to rely on social information in partner choices.Clinical trial number: not applicable.