Evolutionary Psychology

A study in Evolution and Human Behavior reports that men with higher testosterone levels have body odor perceived as more dominant, providing evidence that humans respond to chemical signals regarding social rank.

Why do we date people who resemble us? Australian researchers suggest it isn't just social pressure. Their computer simulation shows that heritable traits and preferences naturally lead to "assortative mating" without any outside forces.

A new study suggests that women who prioritize parenting and long-term planning are more likely to rely on others' opinions to judge men, particularly when avoiding potential partners with negative reputations.

New research reveals that hundreds of genes behave differently in male and female brains. These variations appear early in fetal development and may explain why the sexes face different risks for diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Researchers found that women prefer mates who show "growth motivation," meaning a desire to broaden perspectives and develop wisdom. This trait signals maturity and stability, making these men more desirable for long-term commitments.

People who see themselves and their partners as similarly high in desirability tend to report happier, more committed romantic relationships, according to new findings.

Psychologists are rethinking friendship, arguing it’s not a transactional exchange. Their "risk-pooling" model shows friends act as a safety net during major crises, a crucial survival strategy that prioritizes loyalty and support over keeping score.

Contrary to stereotypes, men may actively trade physical attractiveness for status within marriage. Research in Economics & Human Biology indicates that regardless of gender, a spouse typically exercises more and loses weight when their partner’s relative earnings increase.

A new study finds the link between personality and relationship outcomes differs for men and women. The association between extraversion and partnership status, for example, is much stronger for men than for women.

A new study in Public Understanding of Science finds that people tend to see good behavior as more genetically caused than bad behavior, mainly because kindness and generosity are perceived as more natural.

A new study in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that attraction to high-status partners depends on both the kind of status someone displays and the relationship a person wants.

Could a region’s economic health influence how its residents present themselves online? A recent study analyzed thousands of edited photos to explore an unexpected link between digital beauty standards and socioeconomic conditions.

Recent research suggests that women find men with lower body fat more attractive. While facial masculinity was linked to testosterone and age, the link between health and attractiveness was fully explained by adiposity, age, and hormone levels.

Why does transactional sex persist? A new paper argues the answer isn't simple, proposing a unified framework that connects our evolutionary past with modern psychological drivers and economic forces.

New research suggests specific forms of touch during intimacy are associated with greater mutual satisfaction and emotional bonding. These common behaviors appear to enhance feelings of closeness and connection for partners.