Study: Conservatives More Likely To See One-Night Stand As Worthy Of A Serious Relationship

Researchers from the University of Warwick discovered that socially conservative people have more similar tastes in a partner for both a long- and short-term relationship compared to someone more liberal, according to PsyPost. The results were composed of two studies published by the Evolution and Human Behavior journal June 26.

The first study had 527 participants from the U.K., U.S. and India and used “Mate Dollars” in order to choose a long and short-term partner. Participants got to choose from different descriptions such as ambitious, good income and high sex drive for both types of relationships. Researchers found that conservatives had similar interests for long- and short-term partners. In comparison, liberals chose athleticism and good looks for short-term relationships and preferred parenting and providing for long-term relationships.

“We wanted to know whether people from conservative backgrounds are less likely to make the distinction between casual and serious relationships,” said study author Naomi K. Muggleton of the University of Warwick, according to PsyPost.

The second study surveyed 322 participants from India and the U.S. to read descriptions of two hypothetical partners for an unfaithful but sexy one-night stand and a spouse who possessed an average level of attractiveness, but was a good provider. Researchers found that conservatives were more interested in long-term relationships.

“Liberals were better at differentiating between those sexy ‘good genes’ traits, which have the highest payoff in short relationships, and material, long-term traits,” Muggleton said.

“This suggests that people from conservative cultures, who avoid casual sex, are foregoing genetic benefits for their offspring,” she added.

Muggleton also claimed the results show that conservatives are more likely to believe someone is meant for a serious relationship when they are better suited for a one-night stand.

Follow Gabrielle on Twitter