The Influence Of Mate-rejection On Mating Behavior

Mating behavior has been a hot topic in sociology and psychology for a long time. Lotsof researchers studied around mating behavior by establishing and verifying hypothesis.Theoretical frameworks of mating preference have been continuously improved after decadesof development, such as the complementary theory and the social exchange theory etc.However, mating is not only a static phenomenon, but also a dynamic process, which isignoring by researchers in the past. In recent years, Sociometer Theory, which is put forwardby Leary opens up a new perspective for the mate choice research, and it provided atheoretical basis to study the dynamic process of mating. This present study aim to to explorethe interaction of both sexes mating process feedback on its mating behavior basing onsociometer theory, to further explore the inner mechanism of mating behavior and operatingmodel.This study analyzed the effect of mate-rejection on individuals’ mating behavior withquestionnaires and situation simulation in the lab. Besides, we tested predictions derived fromthe domain specific sociometer model. Study1adopted questionnaires to investigate thelong-term effects of rejection experience of the opposite sex, and the mediating effect ofself-perceived mate value. Study1, from the perspective of the short-term effects, weexplored the influence of instant mate-rejection on individuals’mating behavior by dividinginto three experiments, examining the role of self-perceived mate value.The results of Study1as follows:(1) there was a closely relationship between rejectionexperience of the opposite sex and individuals’ mating behavior, meaning that people whoexperience more rejection from the opposite sex will lower their mating standards, and tend towithdraw. The positive correlation between self-perceived mate value and mating behaviorshowed that one who has feel good has high mating standards, and more likely to adoptactively approach to the opposite sex.(2) Self-perceived mate value played a mediating roleamong rejection experience of the opposite sex and mating behavior, showing a fullymediating effect among rejection experience and mating standards,while a partially mediatingeffect among rejection experience and mating behavior. The results of Study2as follows (1)instant mate-rejection reduced individual’s self-perceived mate value, general social rejection did not significantly influent individuals’ self-perceived mate value, however, both two typesof rejection had a significantly impact on self-esteem.(2) Mating feedback affected individualmating behavior, mainly showing on mate-rejection reduce individuals’ mating aspirations andtendency of mating behavior. While, mate-acceptance had no significantly affects.(3)Self-perceived mate value played a mediating role among mate-rejection and mating behavior,showing a fully mediating effect among mate-rejection and mating standards. And there is thepartly mediating effect among rejection experience and mating behavior to those potentialobjects.