Further support for the role of heroism in human mate choice

Abstract

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by the American Psychological Association in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences on 03-09-2020. The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version, accessible at https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/ebs0000230.Although evidence suggests that altruistic behavior can act as a mating signal, little research has explored the role of heroism in mate choice. Previous research has focused on women only, ignoring the role of heroism in male mate choice. Here, we extended and replicated previous research on the role of heroism in human mate choice. Participants (N=276) rated how desirable targets were for a short-term and long-term relationship, which varied in heroism. The findings showed men and women reported higher desirability for heroic targets for long-term compared to short-term relationships, although this pattern was more prominent in women. These findings add support to the role of heroism in mate choice by exploring the role of heroism in male and female mate choice