November 2008 PMID 18817596

Do humans prefer altruistic mates? Testing a link between sexual selection and altruism towards non-relatives.

Tim Phillips, Chris Barnard, Eamonn Ferguson, Tom Reader

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Mentions

9
Peak: 4 in Jun 2018
across 4 sources since Jun 2018

Extended reach

31,400
potential audience

Total likes

1,286

Video views

23,519

Mentions per month

Jun 2018 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • Reddit4 posts
  • X / Twitter2 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • News1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The comments reflect a strong interest in how altruism may have evolved through sexual selection, with users quoting the research's focus on women preferring altruistic mates. The tone often emphasizes scientific validation, using words like 'supports' and 'evidence,' which highlights both engagement and recognition of the study's significance.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the idea that human mate preferences are influenced by altruistic traits, aligning with the article's findings.

InterestHigh interest

The topics of evolutionary psychology and altruism seem to resonate strongly with the audience, indicating high curiosity.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts often reference the methodology and implications of the study, such as mentioning the MPAT scale and its relevance, demonstrating active engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

The debate around the evolutionary basis of altruism and mate selection suggests that the publication has notable influence on current discourse in behavioral sciences.

Abstract in brief

  • The study explores the idea that human altruism towards nonrelatives may have evolved through sexual selection and introduces a new scale, the MPAT, to measure mate preference for altruistic traits.
  • Research found evidence that people, especially women, tend to prefer mates with altruistic qualities, supporting the hypothesis of a link between altruism and mate choice.
  • Results across multiple studies suggest that human altruistic traits could have developed as desirable qualities in a mate, indicating a potential evolutionary basis for altruism driven by sexual selection.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
PsicoVlog
@psicolocos2 · X

Analizamos la CIENCIA (Glover, Buss, Dark Triad) y la cruda realidad que desmonta este mito del amor. Hemos subido el vídeo completo con todos los pasos para convertirte en una persona con límites. ➡️ VER VÍDEO COMPLETO AQUÍ:

Dec 2, 2025 · 7,618 followers View post →
Cochon Masqué
@CochonMasqu1 · X

Evolution and Human Behavior, 31(1), 29-38. Phillips, T., Barnard, C., Ferguson, E., & Reader, T. (2008). Do humans prefer altruistic mates? Testing a link between sexual selection and altruism towards non‐relatives. British Journal of Psychology, 99(4), 555-572. Scheib, J. E.,

May 4, 2020 · 214 followers View post →

All mentions

PsicoVlog
@psicolocos2 · X

Analizamos la CIENCIA (Glover, Buss, Dark Triad) y la cruda realidad que desmonta este mito del amor. Hemos subido el vídeo completo con todos los pasos para convertirte en una persona con límites. ➡️ VER VÍDEO COMPLETO AQUÍ:

Dec 2, 2025 · 7,618 followers View post →
Cochon Masqué
@CochonMasqu1 · X

Evolution and Human Behavior, 31(1), 29-38. Phillips, T., Barnard, C., Ferguson, E., & Reader, T. (2008). Do humans prefer altruistic mates? Testing a link between sexual selection and altruism towards non‐relatives. British Journal of Psychology, 99(4), 555-572. Scheib, J. E.,

May 4, 2020 · 214 followers View post →
Interest Rates and Moral Hazard Explained | PDF | Mortgage Loan ...
News

... 10.1348/000712608X298467">chick magnets. But under almost any definition of altruism, the real altruists are the ones left behind. The worker bees who ...

Dec 12, 2025 View →
Altruismo biológico vs. El gen egoísta : r/evolution
Reddit

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1348/000712608X298467. Este es similar al argumento de Zahavi de que el altruismo es una ...

Jun 4, 2018 View →
Biological Altruism vs. The Selfish Gene : r/evolution
Reddit

... 10.1348/000712608X298467. This one is similar to Zahavi's argument that altruism is a costly display. The authors here argue that it's ...

Jun 4, 2018 View →
Биологический альтруизм против эгоистичного гена : r/evolution
Reddit

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1348/000712608X298467. Эта идея похожа на аргумент Захави о том, что альтруизм - это ...

Jun 4, 2018 View →
Biologiczny Altruizm vs. Samolubny Gen : r/evolution
Reddit

Życie nie jest monokauzalne. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1348/000712608X298467. Ten jest podobny do argumentu Zahaviego, że ...

Jun 4, 2018 View →