Published in

SAGE Publications, Evolutionary Psychology: an International Journal of Evolutionary Approaches to Psychology and Behavior, 4(14), p. 147470491667862, 2016

DOI: 10.1177/1474704916678626

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An Evolutionary Perspective on Mate Rejection

Journal article published in 2016 by Ashleigh J. Kelly, Shelli L. Dubbs, Fiona Kate Barlow ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

We argue that mate rejection and ex-partner relationships are important, multifaceted topics that have been underresearched in social and evolutionary psychology. Mate rejection and relationship dissolution are ubiquitous and form integral parts of the human experience. Both also carry with them potential risks and benefits to our fitness and survival. Hence, we expect that mate rejection would have given rise to evolved behavioral and psychological adaptations. Herein, we outline some of the many unanswered questions in evolutionary psychology on these topics, at each step presenting novel hypotheses about how men and women should behave when rejecting a mate or potential mate or in response to rejection. We intend these hypotheses and suggestions for future research to be used as a basis for enriching our understanding of human mating from an evolutionary perspective.