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- Title
Let’s Talk About Sex: A Study on the Recall of Gossip About Potential Mates and Sexual Rivals.
- Authors
Backer, Charlotte J. S. de; Nelissen, Mark; Fisher, Maryanne L.
- Abstract
Although there is an abundance of gossip research, little is known about the impact of individuals’ characteristics and their ability to recall gossip’s content. We concentrated on gossip related to mating reputation, and investigated the effects of individuals’ sex and relationship status when they are the subjects and receivers of such gossip. We presented 84 students with gossip-like stories, manipulated for content, and then provided a surprise recall test. We found that cues of attractiveness were recalled more for female characters, whereas cues of wealth status were recalled more for male characters. Gender differences in participants’ recall occurred for gossip about same-sex people who may represent rivals, but not for gossip about other-sex people who may represent potential mates. The relationship status of the subjects and receivers did not affect the recall rates. We discuss these findings within the conceptual framework offered by evolutionary psychology.
- Subjects
INTERPERSONAL relations; GOSSIP; WEALTH; MATE selection; HUMAN sexuality; MAN-woman relationships; SEX differences (Biology); EVOLUTIONARY psychology
- Publication
Sex Roles, 2007, Vol 56, Issue 11-12, p781
- ISSN
0360-0025
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11199-007-9237-x