Against all the expectations, this criterion prevails in the choice of a partner

In search of an ideal partner, we often think that we favor qualities such as intelligence and emotional compatibility. However, published in a study Evolutionary psychological science A striking offset was highlighted between declared preferences and real decisions.

Researchers interviewed 201 young women and 187 parents, who were about their ideal criteria for a long time partner. If intelligence and stability seemed strong in theory, the experience revealed another plan: When these features were balanced with physical attraction, most participants – girls and parents were jointly chosen for the most attractive partner jointly, re -imposed the intellect in the background.

Physical attraction, one was judged by decreasing in decision making

In the study, participants faced concrete options between fictional partners with well characteristics. Each profile varies according to two criteria: intelligence and charm. Despite their initial discourse, despite intelligence information, 72.6 % of girls and 59.6 % parents liked the most attractive man, even when they were described as less intelligent.

These results suggest that, under the pressure of a decision, as much physical effect we think. While the parents highlighted long -long stability and ability, the girls were more inclined to favor immediate attraction, thus the conflict between rational perception and biological instincts was revealed.

Parents and children: similar criteria

Although parents and girls have generally made the same option (73.8 % agree between them), their justification varies. The girls were immediately betting on the attraction, while the parents emphasized the long profits of an intelligent and reliable companion.

Thus the study shows a well -known event in evolutionary psychology: physical attraction is often considered as an indicator of good health and genetic quality, which unknowingly affects our romantic options.