PH
A recent study examined whether people's motivational orientation influences the romantic partners they pursue.
Researchers distinguished between a promotion focus, centered more on growth and advancement, and a prevention focus, centered more on security.
One study followed 208 college students across seven months as romantic interests developed.
Another observed 187 people during actual speed-dating events.
The research found links between these orientations, people's evaluations of their own desirable qualities, and their pursuit of highly desirable potential partners.
Who you approach may therefore depend partly on how you generally think about opportunities and risks.
© Journal of Personality (2025)