Parents can affect mate choice of their offspring in several ways. Besides passive forms (e.g., the inheritance of preferences), the very important form is an active influence, which considerably varies across cultures. The main aim of the proposed study is to test active parental influence on mate choice, including manipulation tactics. The qualitative part of the study is based on semi-structured interviews to determine how do parents influence their offspring's mate choice, what manipulation tactics they use, and whether these interventions are reflected. The quantitative part aims to prospectively test partner preferences of individuals and their parents before starting a relationship. After entering the relationship, the discrepancy between the characteristics of the preferred and actual partner in offspring and parents will be compared. The degree of discrepancy in individuals and their parents could, thus, suggest the real influence of parents on the mate choice. This method could become a tool to measure the real influence of parents on offspring’s mate choice. Moreover, intersexual differences in parental manipulation and tactics of parents within their offspring’s mate choice will be tested. Finally, the possible effect of parental influence on the relationship satisfaction of their offspring will be examined.

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