Abstract
Cuckoldry is an adaptive problem faced by parentally investing males of socially monogamous species (e.g., humans and many avian species). Mate guarding and frequent in-pair copulation (IPC) may have evolved as anti-cuckoldry tactics in avian species and in humans. In some avian species, the tactics are used concurrently, with the result that mate guarding behaviors and IPC frequency are correlated positively. In other avian species, the tactics are compensatory, with the result that mate guarding behaviors and IPC frequency are correlated negatively. The relationship between mate guarding and IPC frequency in humans is unknown. Avian males that use these tactics concurrently share with human males an inability to guard a female partner continuously during her peak fertile period. We hypothesized, therefore, that men’s mate guarding and IPC frequency function as concurrent anti-cuckoldry tactics, resulting in a positive correlation between them. Study 1 (n=305) secured men’s self-reports of mate guarding and IPC frequency. Study 2 (n+367) secured women’s reports of their partners’ mate guarding and IPC frequency. The concurrent tactics hypothesis was supported in both studies: Men’s mate guarding and IPC frequency are correlated positively, and this association is not attributable to male age, female age, relationship satisfaction, relationship length, or time that the couple spends together. The Discussion section addresses potential limitations of this research and future research directions.
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Todd K. Shackelford received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997. He is an associate professor of psychology at Florida Atlantic University, and chair of the Evolutionary Psychology Area. His current research interests include conflict between the sexes, particularly with regard to sexual behavior.
Aaron T. Goetz received his B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2002 and his M.A. from Florida Atlantic University in 2005. He is a Ph.D. candidate in evolutionary psychology at Florida Atlantic University. His research interests include men’s anti-cuckoldry tactics and sexual coercion in intimate relationships.
David P. Schmitt received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1995. He is an associate professor of psychology at Bradley University, and founder and director of the International Sexuality Description Project, a cross-cultural collaboration that encompasses more than 100 scientists. His current research interests are at the interface of sexuality, personality, and evolutionary psychology.
Faith E. Guta received her B.A. in psychology from the University of West Florida in 2003, and her M.A. from Florida Atlantic University in 2005. Her research interests include human mate guarding and female sexuality.
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Shackelford, T.K., Goetz, A.T., Guta, F.E. et al. Mate guarding and frequent in-pair copulation in humans. Hum Nat 17, 239–252 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-006-1007-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-006-1007-x