For Dr. Mills' Psych 310 Class, Spring, 2010

One-Night Stands 1

Summary of:

Campbell, Anne (2008). The Morning After the Night Before: Affective Reactions to One- Night Stands among Mated and Unmated Women and Men. Hum Nat (2008), 19, 157-173

Summary by Alex Reivitis, Maria Donovan, Karina Zamora, and Sanya Hinduja For Dr. Mills' Psych 310 class, Spring, 2010

The “hook up” culture is no secret to college students and adults across the country. This behavior is defined by, sometimes, meaningless transactions between two parties that, often times, do not develop into a fully functioning relationship. The “one night stand” phenomenon seems to be against our primitive evolutionary traits, especially for females. Since the copulation price for women is extremely high, why would a female waste her precious reproductive value on a one night stand? This encounter would leave her with not paternal investment, resources, or protection if she were to get pregnant. Although “one night stands” appear to contradict our evolutionary purposes, perhaps there is more evolution happening than is apparent to the naked eye. This article seeks to explore how one night stands have become a beneficial evolutionary trait while delving into its byproducts including extra-pair copulations. This study seeks to identify the reasons behind the female’s engagement in one-night stands. At first sight, it would appear that women have not evolved to be promiscuous creatures due to their high cost for copulation. The evolutionary roots of female promiscuity may in fact be related to the benefits of having genetic variability. In evolutionary terms, females have been less likely to copulate meaninglessly as this action might lead to the “full burden of parenthood” (Campbell 2008, p. 158). Males, on the other hand, are likely to benefit from each and every copulation they encounter because they will have a higher chance of procreating their genes. Thus, males are the utmost successful if they have multiple partners. In previous studies, men have proven to be positive about the prospect of casual sex, as well as engage in sexual fantasies of multiple women and anonymous sexual partners. Also, the Coolidge Effect has a place within these statistics as men often seek new and exciting partners. This effect falls directly inline with the nature of this study’s focus on one-night stands. Over time, this has lead to males being more promiscuous and females being evolutionary benefits for women to engage in single and random copulations. Campbell lists these benefits as “obtaining high quality genes, increasing the genetic diversity of offspring, promoting sperm competition, extracting immediate resources, confusing paternity, obtaining protection, and evaluating the mate as a long-term partner” (Campbell, 2008, 158). This has lead researcher Anne Campbell to question whether modern day females have evolved adaptations for short-term relationships, referred to in this study as “one night stands”. Extra-Pair Copulations (EPCs) are a popular evolutionary term referring to having a sexual partner outside of a primary relationship. Campbell places a large emphasis on this concept in her study, as she is addressing the differences between “mated and unmated” males and females. For the purposes of this study, EPCs refer to the “mated” participants of this experiment. Essentially, the questions that were asked of the individuals ask them to divulge information about ever engaging in one-night stand behavior with someone who was not their primary spouse. In layman’s terms, EPCs describe the act of One-Night Stands 2 adultery, or cheating. In her experiment, Campbell sought to explore the differences between those who have one-night stands and those who were previously engaged in a relationship and simultaneously engaged in an “extra” one-night stand. Statistics have shown that 22-25% of males have engaged in EPCs and 11-15% of females have engaged in EPCs. Based on these statistics alone, it is clear that men are more motivated to cheat on their spouse. However, what exactly are these motivations? According to Campbell, the evolutionary tendency for males to pursue multiple copulations is at the rout of EPCs. Furthermore, the Coolidge Effect plays a large role here as well. The novel prospect of an EPC presents more sexual exciting in contrast to the familiarity of his spouse. Now, let us not forget that women also have a tendency to cheat. Unlike the tendencies of the male, the female does not appear to have evolutionary cause to engage in EPCs, or does she? Campbell seeks to explore the notion that modern women have adapted the tendency to engage in “short term relationships” in order to great genetic variability. Furthermore, this may lead to paternal uncertainty and other forms of cuckoldry. Perhaps Campbell is on the right track to uncovering the female motivation for, not only one-night stands, but extra- pair copulations as well. In this study, conducted in 2008, Anne Campbell sought to determine the reactions to one night stands between males and females. With N=1,743, Campbell distributed a questionnaire asking questions about “one-night stands” they have actually experienced. Her study examines the components that contribute to a one night stand and the perspectives of both the male and the female party. Campbell is specific in her study to eliminate participants who are either a. homosexual or b. not experienced with one-night stands. Her ultimate sample is compiled of people who are straight, and have experienced a one-night stand. Considering that 12% of the original sample was dropped due to homosexuality may suggest that further research on this topic be conducted specifically for homosexual behaviors. As previously stated, one aspect of Campbell’s study focuses on the evolutionary concept of extra-pair copulations: copulations that take place outside of the primary mate in order to obtain more resources, protection, etc. Campbell wanted to not only learn the gender discrepancies between reactions to one night stands but to also discover whether they are more prominent in mated or unmated individuals. If individuals are engaging in one-night stands outside of their primary relationship, this is the extra-pair copulation that Campbell will study. The researcher, Anne Campbell, addresses three of the primary questions that her study seeks to explore and potentially answer. The questions she poses are as follows: 1. Are there differences between men and women in postivity or negativity of their morning after evaluations of one-night stands? 2. Are there differences in the postivity or negativity of the experience between unmated and mated individuals? 3. Is there greater negativity amongst mated women than mated men (Campbell, 2008, p. 161)? The method of this experiment consisted of a questionnaire composed of Internet questions from a British television station. Participants were ensured that their identities would be protected. The first three questions asked for age, sex, and sexual orientation. They were asked to summarize their experiences with one-night stands with a series of yes or no questions. Furthermore, they were asked about their relationship status and whether their relationship was considered “short-term” or “long-term”. There were also a series of questions inquiring about the emotional responses to these one-night stand experiences. These questions were followed by a series of 12 likehert scales that measure positive One-Night Stands 3 experiences versus negative experiences (Campbell, 2008, p. 162). The positive items contained statements about personal feelings and reactions. The negative items were about the interpersonal relationship between the participant and their partner from the one-night stand. The questions were all gender neutral as not to impose any bias on the researcher’s behalf. The responses were rated as follows: Definitely not (0), Not really (1), Somewhat (2), Definitely (3). The participants of this experiment were 3,363 males and females. 88% of these participants identified themselves as heterosexual. The other 12% of the sample was excluded as this study focused on relations between males and females, not homosexual relationships. Thus, the final sample size was N=1,743. Of this sample, 23% of participants were identified as “mated” during the time of the study (N=399) and 77% were identified as “unmated” (N=1,344). The majority of participants were of ages 26-60, with several outliers. The results of this experiential proved that men consistently reported postivity in regards to one-night stands, while women commonly reported negativity. A series of t-tests were performed as well as effect size tests. It is interesting to note that “men are more likely than women to secretly want their friends to hear about [the one-night stands]” (Campbell, 2008, p. 163), which signifies the factor of the male’s reputation. Furthermore, the reported greater satisfaction from their one-night stands experience. Also, men also felt “sorry because they felt they used another person” (Campbell, 2008, p. 164). One the other hand, women generally reported feeling disappointed as well as regretful for “being used”. Their disappointment is reported as stemming from the relationship not developing into something more. This dichotomy of emotional reaction can be summed up in the following numbers: 23% of men reported regret, while 58% of females expressed regret. Those who were identified as “mated” individuals reported more negative experiences with one-night stands. One contributing factor here is the concern for their reputations. Furthermore, “mated” participants, reported a higher sexual satisfaction from the encounter. They also reported a strong “fear of detection” (Campbell, 2008, p. 167), that is, their mate discovering the tryst. Overall, there was no difference in reported postivity between mated and unmated individuals. This study as concluded that women view one-night stands more negatively and less positively than do men. One of the largest sex discrepancies here was the reported feeling of being used by women. For men, their largest difference was feeling “sorry” for using another person. Men were also reported as being more proud and confident as a result of the one-night stand. Another factor that is important to note is that women reported feeling disappointed by the sexual encounter in terms of two things: the short- term encounter not becoming a long-term relationship, and the lack of sexual satisfaction. Anne Campbell delves into the potential explanations behind the female’s disappointment following a one-night stand. Campbell theorizes that this phenomenon has evolutionary basis. Throughout human history, men have been known to have a more intense desire for sexual fulfillment. This is due to the innate determination to spread the individual males genes. The best way to ensure genetics will be passed down is to copulate as much as possible with many different females. Females, on the other hand, are more selective than males when it comes to choosing a mate for copulation. Reproductive investment for females is much higher than that of males as she may have to carry the burden of single parenthood if the male is not parentally invested. Thus, in modern day, when a female sleeps with a male after a short period of time (short-term relationship/ one-night stand), One-Night Stands 4 then she feels that she deserves appreciation from the male as she has significantly lowered her selection process. The lack of adherence to this appreciation leaves the female feelings vulnerable, used, and disappointed altogether. Campbell fortifies her theory by citing other researchers (Graaf and Sandfort, 2004) who have found similar findings. Other finds have stated that females interpret the lack of appreciation as being rejected after the encounter. Women also reported a concern for their reputation and not wanting to be referred to as “loose” (Campbell, 2008, p.170). In reference to the differences between mated and unmated experiences, mated participants rated one night stands as more negative overall. Although mated couples did report higher satisfaction in extra-pair copulations, they rated the experience as more negative. Furthermore, mated participants reported experiencing more self-hatred, negative self-esteem, and negative personal reactions. Also, women are more likely than men to engage in EPCs, further supporting the female stance of attachment and love. This can also be supported by the fact that women reported more concern in the following areas: the male calling in the future, the male dumping the female, etc. These concerns were prominent in 81% of females and only 17% of males (Campbell, 2008, p.169). However, mated individuals did not have entirely positive reactions to EPCs as they often felt a sense of fear of detection. Interestingly, males were more likely to report wanting their friends to hear about the encounter as well as feeling masculine and successful afterwards. Next, Campbell raises a very important question in her discussion section. If females consistently have negative reactions to one-night stands, then why do they engage in them? Aside from the emotional effects after the encounter, women report wanting to engage in this behavior. This has lead Campbell to conclude that women have adapted this tendency as a useful component to evolution. It is here that Campbell speculates that sexual encounters may be separate from emotions. She observes that this is probably the case for both men and women. It is clear that one-night stands are satisfactory for both sexes on a sexual gratification level. Furthermore, women have been observed to engage in one-night stands when they are ovulating. This supports Campbell’s initial hypothesis that women nowadays are more likely to engage in one-night stands as an evolutionary means of diversifying genetics. Ovulation also activates other evolutionary tendencies in women including pursuing men based on scent, voice and facial symmetry. In mated females, ovulation triggers them to think about sex with other men more frequently. Thus, perhaps the answer to Campbell’s questions about the incentive of female one-night stands may be in the occurrence of ovulation. Ultimately, Campbell concludes that, based on evolution, females should have incentive to engage in one-night stand behavior with males of high reproductive value. When females engage in one-night stands with males of low reproductive value, they are more likely to express remorse for the encounter. Thus, evolution plays a large role in the female’s tendency to pursue one-night stands.

Panel Outline

I. Introduction

a. One-night stand i. Sexual relationships that process no further than copulation One-Night Stands 5

b. Short-term relationship

i. Relationships between currently unmated individuals ii. Extra-pair copulations

c. Sex differences in parental investment and short-term relationships i. Male- low investment

1. Benefits a. Reproductive success

2. Costs a. Opportunity costs and STDs

ii. Female- high investment 1. Benefits

a. High quality genes, increase genetic diversity, promote sperm competition, protection, acquisition of long term partner etc. 2. Costs

a. Parental care, STDs, bad reputation d. Extra-Pair Copulations (EPCs)

i. Motivations 1. Curiosity, desire for variety, need for power, fun

ii. Men are more likely to desire and be active in EPCs as well as admit to them

iii. Mated vs. Unmated 1. Potential costs greater for mated than unmated individuals II. Methods

a. Online questionnaire

i. Investigated people’s “next morning” feelings about one-night stands ii. Six positive and six negative evaluations of the experience One-Night Stands 6

1. Positive

a. Private feelings and public self esteem factors 2. Negative

a. Interpersonal relationships, private concerns and public reputation

b. Participants i. Responses from 3,363 individuals (1,909 men and 1,454 women) 1. 88% heterosexual

2. Homosexual and bisexual excluded from study ii. Final sample size: N= 1,743

1. 77% unmated 2. 23% mated

iii. Age 1. 26-60 years

III. Results a. Differences between men and women

i. Positivity scale 1. Men reported more positivity about the one-night stand than women ii. Negativity scale

1. Women reported more negatively about the experience iii. Men

1. More likely than women to secretly want their friends to hear about their one-night stand

2. Reported greater sexual satisfaction, confidence, contentment

3. Secretly want their friends to hear about their one-night stand One-Night Stands 7

4. 23% indicated some regret and would not repeat the experience iv. Women

1. Reported greater feelings of regret and feeling used 2. Women more than men feel regret that they let themselves down 3. Do not secretly hope their friends will find out

4. Worried about loss of reputation 5. 58% indicated some regret and would not repeat the experience b. Differences between mated and unmated respondents

i. Mated-negativity 1. Reported being more sexually satisfied and content

2. Less likely to secretly hope that their friends would hear about it

3. Less disappointed that relationship did not develop to something more

ii. Mated-positivity 1. No overall differences

IV. Discussion a. Women

i. Rate one-night stands both less positively and more negatively than men

ii. Expect appreciation iii. Difference between feelings after the experience and at the time of the one-night stand iv. Adaptation for one-night stand may be dissociable from emotions v. More willing to have casual sex with a mate of high value

vi. Greater potential costs One-Night Stands 8

b. Mated

i. Reported higher level of sexual satisfaction than singles ii. More negative overall

iii. Concerns about discovery

Panel Questions

Multiple Choice

1. According to the Campbell’s article, what is NOT considered an evolutionary benefit of multiple mates for females? (C) a. Promoting sperm competition b. Obtaining protection c. Improve reputation d. Obtaining high quality genes

2. In regards to the negative aspects of the experience, which of the following is not a strong sex difference? (B) a. Feeling of having been used b. Hoping that friends will hear c. Sense of having let oneself down d. Loss of reputation

3. Who of the following reported more strongly “having let themselves down, experiences of guilt and depression?” (A) a. Mated individuals b. Unmated individuals

True/False

1. Men are more likely to secretly want their friends to hear about their one-night stand. (T) One-Night Stands 9

2. According to the results, women reported greater feelings of regret because they felt used. (T)

3. When comparing mated and unmated individuals, mated respondents were much more disappointed that the relationship did not come to anything more than the “one-night stand.” (F)

Critical Review Pros: a. Large sample size increased statistic power and validity b. Men are more likely than women to secretly want their friends to hear about the one-night stand and feel successful c. Female’s reactions to one-night stands based on reproductive value of male.

Cons: a. Elapsed time between one night stand and study may have effected accuracy. b. 12% of participants were dropped due to sexual orientation. c. EPC v. One Night Stand

Video Clip Link:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/440389/one_night_stand/