Good looks, mate value, flirting capacity, and choosiness: Exploring additional pathways to singlehood

Menelaos Apostolou; Ellie Michaelidou

doi:10.21697/sp.2024.24.1.01

Published: 2024-03-27

No. ONLINE FIRST

Good looks, mate value, flirting capacity, and choosiness: Exploring additional pathways to singlehood

Menelaos Apostolou

, Ellie Michaelidou

Studia Psychologica: Theoria et praxis

Section: Empirical Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/sp.2024.24.1.01

Abstract

Many individuals are single because they encounter difficulties in attracting an intimate partner. Various factors, such as flirting capacity and self-esteem, could potentially predict singlehood. However, these factors are interconnected and have indirect associations with singlehood. The current study has attempted to identify these associations by analyzing a database derived from a sample of 1,432 Greek-speaking participants. Our analysis examined singlehood in general as well as involuntary singlehood, separately for men and women. Specifically, we have identified four pathways for women: 1) Higher mate value was associated with greater self-esteem, which, in turn, was associated with an increased flirting capacity. This was correlated with a higher probability of being in an intimate relationship rather than being single. 2) Furthermore, higher mate value was associated with increased self-esteem, which, in turn, was associated with greater choosiness. This was linked to a lower probability of being in an intimate relationship than being involuntarily single. 3) Additionally, higher scores in self-perceived good looks were associated with higher mate value, which, in turn, was associated with an enhanced flirting capacity. This was connected to a higher probability of being in an intimate relationship rather than being single. 4) Finally, higher scores in self-perceived good looks were associated with higher mate value, which, in turn, was associated with greater choosiness. This was associated with a lower probability of being in an intimate relationship than being single. On the other hand, no significant pathways were found for men.

Keywords:

singlehood, involontary singlehood, self-esteem, flirting capacity, good looks

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Apostolou, M., & Michaelidou, E. (2024). Good looks, mate value, flirting capacity, and choosiness: Exploring additional pathways to singlehood. Studia Psychologica: Theoria Et Praxis, (ONLINE FIRST). https://doi.org/10.21697/sp.2024.24.1.01

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Menelaos Apostolou

m.apostolou@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0685-1848

Affiliation:

University of Nicosia, Department of Social Sciences, Cyprus Cyprus

Ellie Michaelidou

Affiliation:

University of Nicosia, Department of Social Sciences, Cyprus Cyprus