The Theory of Complementary Needs in Mate-Selection: Final Results on the Test of the General Hypothesis

A final report on the general hypothesis that with respect to individual motivation mate-selection tends to be complementary rather than homogamous. Procedures and concepts, discussed in the earlier preliminary report, are briefly reviewed. 3 types of data obtained from 50 spouses are utilized: (1) an interview structured to elicit evidence of an individual's needs; (2) a case-history interview; & (3) an 8-card TAT. 5 sets of ratings developed from these data allow the formulation of 388 hypothesized r's. The central hypothesis is regarded supported if the % of the 388 is which is statist signif in the hypothesized direction exceeds that expected by chance at the 95% confidence level. Results indicate that the number of r's derived from 3 of the 5 sets of ratings which are in the hypothesized direction far exceed the number to be expected by chance alone. The remaining 2 sets of data, case history and TAT, did not support the central hypothesis. But since the r's clustered around 0, neither did they support the contrary theory of homogamous mate selection. It is concluded that the bulk of the evidence supports the hypothesis that mates tend to select each other on the basis of complementary needs. W. F. Kenkel.