LOW-INVESTMENT COPULATION - SEX-DIFFERENCES IN MOTIVATIONS AND EMOTIONAL-REACTIONS

Samples of male (n = 113) and female (n = 175) college students were s urveyed. Majorities of both sexes agreed with statements indicating th at males' sexual 'attractiveness varied more than females' sexual attr activeness as a function of their status. Subjects who reported more s ex partners and a greater aversion to sexual monogamy were slightly mo re likely to agree that they tested their partners to see how far they could push them. Interviews with highly sexually active females (n = 32) and males (n = 24) indicated that low-investment copulation and la ck of control over the sexual access-investment ratio caused even wome n with very permissive attitudes and multiple sex partners to develop an aversion to low-investment copulation. Three levels were identified in this process. The techniques that women with multiple partners use d to deal with their feelings are described. Females tested their part ners for ability and willingness io invest. Males tested for opportuni ties to reduce investment and pursue other women. High status, for exa mple athletic stardom, transformed males' sexual attractiveness to wom en and numbers of sex partners. Results were consistent with the view that the emotional-motivational mechanisms that moderate sexual arousa l and attraction are sexually dimorphic.