Characteristics of the ideal sex partner: gender differences and perceptions of the preferences of the other gender.

The objective of the current study was to further examine gender differences in preferences for particular characteristics in a sexual partner and to investigate the extent to which men and women accurately estimate the preferences of the other gender. Heterosexual college students (185 men, 244 women) rated a diverse set of characteristics in a hypothetical sexual partner with whom they were presumed to be involved in an ongoing relationship. Participants also responded to the same set of items with regard to estimates of the ratings of the other gender (order of presentation was counter-balanced). Although there was notable similarity in what men and women most valued in a potential long-term sex partner, there were gender differences with regard to ratings of several of the items. Also, men and women under- or overestimated the ratings of the other gender with regard to several characteristics. Results are discussed with regard to implications for intervention as well as directions for future research.