ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2015, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (5): 836-848.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2015.00836

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The Evolved Ovulation Cycle: Fluctuating Reproduction Motivation and Behavior

CHEN Rui; ZHENG Yuhuang   

  1. (School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)
  • Received:2014-09-28 Online:2015-05-15 Published:2015-05-15
  • Contact: ZHENG Yuhuang, E-mail: zhengyh@sem.tsinghua.edu.cn

Abstract:

The evolutional psychology theory suggests that women’s psychology and behavior fluctuate with their menstrual cycle, due to the fluctuating reproduction motives activated by the brief chance of conception. The conception chance accompanied by ovulation boosts women’s sexual desire, causingthem to seek and attract mates. In order to make sure the offspring inherits good genes, women prefer men with characteristics of good genes; meanwhile, women would be more likely to use self-protection behavior to protect their offspring from staining by bad genes. Further, the ovulation cues can affect men’s motivation and behavior as well. Future research should explore other motivations and behaviors caused by ovulation, such as the competitive motivation among females and consumer behavior, to enhance practical implications.

Key words: evolution psychology, reproduction motive, menstrualcycle, ovulation phase, luteal phase