The Association between Facial Similarity in Long-Term Couples and Overall and Sexual Satisfaction in the Relationship
Abstract
Previous research suggests that people tend to choose a partner based on the theory of positive assortative mating. According to this theory, individuals prefer partners with physical and mental characteristics similar to theirs.
Preference for facial similarity among partners has been repeatedly confirmed. Facial resemblance was found to evoke a feeling of familiarity and confidence, however, it excludes mutual sexual attraction among partners.
The aim of our study was to determine whether facial similarity of long-term partners is related to the overall and sexual satisfaction in the relationship. Based on previous findings, higher overall but lower sexual relationship satisfaction was expected within couples with higher facial resemblance.