Recent research from Humboldt University and others reveals that men increasingly seek stable romantic relationships, traditionally viewed as a female preference, while women often favor younger partners. Men derive significant psychological and health benefits from stable partnerships but typically suffer more during breakups. Additionally, a separate study indicates that women may be drawn to younger men more than previously thought, challenging long-held stereotypes about age preferences in relationships.
Recent research challenges traditional gender stereotypes: Men are increasingly inclined to pursue stable, romantic partnerships, a preference often associated with women. Conversely, women tend to favor younger sexual companions.
A groundbreaking meta-analysis conducted by Humboldt University (HU) Berlin, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Amsterdam reveals that stable relationships hold greater psychological significance for men than for women. The study meticulously reviewed over 50 scientific investigations, merging their empirical findings and analyses.
Psychologist Iris Wahring from HU, a co-author of the study, highlighted that men tend to view their ex-partners more positively than women do. She speculated that this may stem from a lack of emotional support in men’s social circles.
Why do some relationships prove more challenging than others? Researchers are making significant strides toward understanding this complex question.
Emotional Openness in Relationships
Wahring points out that societal norms often restrict men from expressing their emotions openly. As a result, they seek emotional connections primarily with their partners, while women are more likely to share their everyday struggles and challenges with friends and family outside their romantic relationships.
This need for emotional support drives men to seek stable partnerships where they feel free to express their feelings. According to Wahring, this trend is evident at all stages of a relationship: ‘In the absence of a partnership, men typically experience a stronger longing for a stable relationship than women do.’
The Health Benefits of Stable Relationships
Men also experience greater mental and physical health benefits from stable relationships compared to women. These partnerships can even contribute to a longer life expectancy. However, when it comes to breakups—typically initiated by women in 60-70% of cases—men tend to suffer more. ‘They perceive fewer positive outcomes and benefits from the separation,’ warns Wahring. The risk of suicide also escalates for men, with studies indicating it can even double.
Wahring encourages a shift in social norms, advocating that men should express their feelings openly with others, just as women do with their partners. She advises, ‘Don’t become overly reliant on a partner; it’s important to have other supportive individuals to talk to.’
Research indicates that individuals in stable relationships are less likely to experience depression.
Women’s Preferences in Romantic Partnerships
In a separate study from the University of California, another stereotype is debunked: the belief that only men prefer younger sexual partners. Traditionally, women have been thought to favor older men who offer security and stability.
Led by psychologist Paul Eastwick, researchers analyzed 4,500 blind dates sourced from a dating website, focusing on the age preferences expressed during these encounters.
Surprisingly, Eastwick noted, ‘While women claimed they preferred older partners, they often gravitated toward younger dates. The common assumption is that women seek older partners and men younger ones, but this needs reevaluation.’
Ultimately, while women may choose older partners for reasons like long-term commitment, their initial preferences—especially in blind date scenarios—often lean towards younger individuals.
The research team notes that the impact of age on attraction is relatively weak but still significant. They caution that these findings may only be applicable to the specific sample from the dating portal, and it’s possible that older men in the sample displayed less appealing traits, shifting the focus from age itself.
Despite this, the research suggests that women are indeed attracted to younger men, particularly on first dates. This indicates that both genders share similar preferences in this regard.
This topic will be featured by Bayern 2 on February 14, 2025, at 5:04 PM in Die Welt am Abend.