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Using the California Q-sort Measure of Life History Strategy to Predict Sexual Behavioral Outcomes

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Abstract

The validity of the California Q-set measure of life history (LH) strategy was examined by conducting secondary analyses on longitudinal data that included the Q-sort measure of LH strategy at multiple ages (base year N = 106) and six measures of reproductive behavior. LH strategy Q-sort ratings showed stability from ages 14–23. Additionally, the ratings were found to be good prospective and age concurrent predictors of six reproductive behaviors. LH strategy as rated at age 14 was found to be a significant predictor of age of sexual debut, number of sexual partners, frequency of intercourse, number of abortions, age at birth of first child, and likelihood for having contracted venereal disease as measured up to age 32. Future research should test the further utility of the measure focusing on ways to reduce its cumbersomeness without reducing its ability to predict behavioral outcomes.

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Acknowledgments

This project was made possible by the Henry A. Murray Research Archive which is housed by the Institute for Quantitative Social Science at Harvard University. The data employed in this study derive from a 30-year longitudinal study begun with 128 3-year-old girls and boys, planned and conducted by Jack and Jeanne H. Block, involving a sequence of 9 independent assessments based on personality and cognitive Life, Observational, Test, and Self-report (LOTS) measures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Western Illinois University, Macomb, 61455, IL, USA

    Curtis S. Dunkel, Lauren A. Summerville, Eugene W. Mathes & Sean N. Kesserling

Authors
  1. Curtis S. Dunkel
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  2. Lauren A. Summerville
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  3. Eugene W. Mathes
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  4. Sean N. Kesserling
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Correspondence to Curtis S. Dunkel.

Appendix: The 20 CAQ-set Items Most Descriptive of LH Strategy

Appendix: The 20 CAQ-set Items Most Descriptive of LH Strategy

Most descriptive of a slow LH strategy: favors conservative values, high aspiration level for self, moralistic, behaves in a giving way to others, protective of those close to him or her, warmth/capacity for close relationships, genuinely dependable person, sympathetic/considerate, productive/gets things done, behaves in an ethically consistent manner.

Most descriptive of a fast LH strategy: guileful/deceitful/and manipulative, unable to delay gratification, unpredictable in behavior/attitudes, keeps people at a distance, basically distrustful of others, is self-indulgent, hostile towards others, rebellious/non-conforming, perceives contexts in sexual terms, rapid personal tempo.

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Dunkel, C.S., Summerville, L.A., Mathes, E.W. et al. Using the California Q-sort Measure of Life History Strategy to Predict Sexual Behavioral Outcomes. Arch Sex Behav 44, 1705–1711 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0445-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0445-5

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