Perceptions of Younger Single Adults as a Function of Their Gender and Number of Children

Abstract

Research suggests that children may interfere with single parents' romantic experiences. Although both male and female single parents face these challenges, they have stronger associations with the romantic satisfaction of single mothers as compared to single fathers. The two current studies examined aspects of attractiveness and dating across various dimensions for both younger single women and men, with and without children. Results of Study 1 indicated interactive effects of target gender and parental status on perceptions of both attractiveness and dating potential. Results of Study 2 indicated differential ratings on multiple dimensions (i.e., attractiveness, stress, motivation for dating, and positive qualities) of younger single adults on the basis of gender, parental status, and the number of children single parents were reported as having. Implications for importance of social support and difficulty of repartnering are discussed.

Demographics, Personality and Substance-Use Characteristics Associated with Forming Romantic Relationships

“…Based on common evolutionary formulations suggesting men to highly value signs of fertility in a potential mate, one may further speculate that having children from a previous relationship could be perceived as a sign of fertility which may make women with children attractive to potential mates, but this tendency is not supported by previous findings. Previous studies have found single parents, and especially women, to be rated as less attractive and to be less likely to repartner, compared to singles without children (Bernhardt and Goldscheider 2002;Plumm et al 2016;Skew et al 2009;Sommer et al 2013). One possible explanation for the discrepancy between the current results and previous ones may be that previous studies mostly focus on attractiveness ratings given to single parents (which is one but not the only factor affecting the likelihood of repartnering).…”

“…Having children from another relationship may signal reproductive capacity and willingness to invest in offspring, but may also suggest that the mother/father has less available resources for a new partner and additional children (Sommer et al 2013). Studies have found that single individuals who have children are rated as less attractive by potential mates and have a lower probability of getting married or finding a new partner (Bernhardt and Goldscheider 2002;Plumm et al 2016;Skew et al 2009;Sommer et al 2013). Single women who have children are further rated as less attractive compared to single men who have children (Sommer et al 2013).…”

“…Studies have found that single individuals who have children are rated as less attractive by potential mates and have a lower probability of getting married or finding a new partner (Bernhardt and Goldscheider 2002;Plumm et al 2016;Skew et al 2009;Sommer et al 2013). Single women who have children are further rated as less attractive compared to single men who have children (Sommer et al 2013).…”

Older adults on the dating market: The role of family caregiving responsibilities

“…Prior research illustrates how having children impacts parents seeking a romantic partner, but the focus is on younger families. Young children in the home can be a deterrent on the dating market, especially for women (De Graaf & Kalmijn, 2003; Goldscheider & Sassler, 2006; Plumm et al, 2016; Skew et al, 2009; Sommer et al, 2013) and younger singles avoid dating parents because of the assumed stresses (Plumm et al, 2016). However, very little is known about if and how this translates for older singles with adult children.…”

“…Men tend to be less attracted to single mothers, possibly due to the perception that childless women are easier to date. In contrast, women tend to be more attracted to single fathers, possibly because they see fatherhood as an indicator that a man may be a good father to their potential future children together (Sommer et al, 2013).…”