Psychological Value Theory: Predicting Initial Romantic Partner Choice From a General-Purpose, Computational Cognitive Model of Value-Based Choice.

ABSTRACT: Mate value is theorized to be a key driver of romantic partner choice, yet the cognitive mechanism underlying romantic partner choice remains poorly understood. Here, we assess whether initial romantic partner choice can be predicted by a general-purpose, computational cognitive model of value and choice. To do so, we enlist Psychological Value Theory (PVT), which predicts both choice and decision reaction time (RT) simultaneously. To establish the scientific controls necessary to test PVT's strong a priori predictions, we use discrete choice experiments. Experiment 1 tested choices between partners described by single features, while Experiment 2 investigated how the values of multiple features are integrated. PVT's predictions were highly accurate across both experiments, accounting for

SUBMITTER: Cohen DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12908890 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature