Friends and Lovers: The Relative Barter Values of Different Types of Companions in Social Exchange

Authors

  • Aurelio José Figueredo University of Arizona, Programa de postgrado en Etología y Psicología Evolutiva Author
  • Beth R. Kirsner Kennesaw State University, Department of Psychology Author
  • Ilanit Tal University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/ap.v18i105.46

Abstract

The Mate Value Inventory (MVI) was used in parallel workshops entitled “The Rationality of Romance” with independent samples collected in four different sites: (1) Tucson, Arizona, USA (n = 71), (2) Hermosillo, Sonora, México (n = 56), (3) México City, Federal District, México (n = 39), and (4) San José, Costa Rica (n = 77). Each participant answered an anonymous and confidential questionnaire that included questions about their perception of their own “Mate Value” (MV), the MV of their past or present romantic partners, and the MV of their male and female best friends. Each participant provided information on relations with past or present partners, including degree of fidelity to that partner, commitment to that relationship, and satisfaction with that relationship. Various relations were specified and explored between the data obtained by means of an economic model of social exchange. 

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Published

2026-09-10

How to Cite

Figueredo, A. J., Kirsner, B. R., & Tal , I. (2026). Friends and Lovers: The Relative Barter Values of Different Types of Companions in Social Exchange. Actualidades En Psicología, 18(105), 25-32. https://doi.org/10.15517/ap.v18i105.46