How attractive are the “good” characters?
It has been suggested that altruistic behavior, ie care for the needs of others without personal benefits, is a way to raise one’s profile as a “good” man.
However, are people with a “good” character more attractive? Are they preferred as companions? Data on this topic has been obtained from men and women who watched specially designed films, which presented people with some altruistic behavior and others with a neutral behavior.
Both women and men said that those with altruistic behavior were more attractive for a long-term stable relationship. Women chose those with altruistic behavior also for short term relationships or for a date. It seems, then, that men with a “good” man profile are more attractive.
What types of people choose “good” characters?
A study in twins showed that people who had themselves altruistic behavior prefer and choose mates with similar characteristics. This study showed that the altruistic characteristics, and the preference for partners with such characteristics are largely genetically predetermined.
It seems that the altruistic genes are quite strong and therefore reproduced. By extension, evolutionary psychology says it is genes that somehow serve the evolution of the human species.
Barclay P (2010) Altruism as a courtship display: some effects of third-party generosity on audience perceptions. Br J Psychol 101: 123-135.
Phillips T, Ferguson E, Rijsdijk F (2010) A link between altruism and sexual selection: genetic influence on altruistic behaviour and mate preference towards it. Br J Psychol 101: 809-819.
