The Role of Accurate Self-Assessments in Optimizing Mate Choice.

This article investigates how individuals' self-evaluations of their own mate value relate to their partner choices and mating outcomes, using data from a large speed-dating study (N = 1,354). Findings indicate that participants were somewhat accurate in assessing their own mate value, which predicted the minimum, mean, and maximum mate value standards they applied when selecting partners, consistent with social exchange theory and the matching hypothesis. However, self-perceived mate value did not predict choosiness (the number of partners participants were interested in), and individuals who overestimated their mate value were choosier but ended up with fewer reciprocal matches of similar quality compared to under-estimators. The results suggest that while self-evaluations guide partner standards, overestimation does not confer an advantage in attracting more or higher-quality matches, contrasting with theories that self-enhancement facilitates positive social outcomes.