Biological and Psychological Factors in Partner Choice: An In-Depth Analysis of Attachment Style and The Nervous System

Details

Supervisors

Adam, Françoise

Faculty

Faculté de psychologie, logopédie, sexologie et des sciences de la famille

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences de la famille et de la sexualité, à finalité spécialisée: approche interdisciplinaire de la famille et du couple

Abstract

Introduction: In the context of human interpersonal dynamics, the connection between attachment styles, the nervous system and the process of partner selection constitutes an area of scholarly exploration. This study attempts to understand the relationship between individuals' attachment orientations, the nervous system and their preferences for romantic partners, with a particular focus on the role of early neurobiological underpinnings of caregiving experiences. Method: This paper employs a comprehensive mixed methods approach to investigate the biological and psychological implications of partner choice/mate selection. The search strategy involves identifying key concepts such as partner choice, biological and psychological implications, nervous system, and attachment style. To address these questions, a mixed methods approach is employed. Sections 1 and 2 will utilize a systematic review methodology to identify relevant studies, primarily focusing on experimental research. Section 3 will utilize a literature review due to the limited evidence available, reinforcing the theoretical connection between attachment style, the nervous system, and partner selection. Results: The findings from various studies indicate that attachment styles significantly impact partner selection and dating behaviors, with both physical attractiveness and attachment dimensions playing important roles in influencing initial attraction, dating success, mate-retention behaviors, and the use of strategies such as playing hard to get in the context of romantic relationships and dating. In addition, EEG studies probing the neurocognitive facets of initial romantic attraction reveal distinctive neural markers associated with mate preference and the emergence of attraction. Conclusion: This article reveals the significant influence of attachment styles on dating behaviors, underscores the neural and hormonal connection between of attraction, and highlights the need for broader research to comprehensively understand the relationship between the nervous system, attachment patterns, and partner selection.