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The Theory of Complementary Needs in Mate-Selection: Final Results on the Test of the General Hypothesis

1955; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 20; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2307/2092563

1939-8271

Robert F. Winch,

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

W HILE recognizing that mate-selection has been found to be homogamous with respect to numerous social characteristics (religion, socio-economic status, etc.), the writer has hypothesized that with respect to individual motivation (or at the psychic level) mate-selection tends to be complementary rather than homogamous. To test this hypothesis the writer has subjected to intensive study twenty-five husbands and their wives. Last year a preliminary report on the test of the general hypothesis was published,' and the findings supported the hypothesis. That report was preliminary in the sense that it was based upon only one of several sets of data. Now all analyses relevant to the general hypothesis have been completed. The purpose of the present paper is to report the findings.