Smarter Men Are Less Aggressive in Relationships and More Committed, Study Finds

A new study finds that men with higher general intelligence are less likely to use aggressive tactics in romantic relationships and are more likely to be committed and satisfied with their partners, showing that intelligence might play a bigger role in romance than previously thought.

Smarter Men Make Better Partners: How IQ Impacts Romance

When it comes to romantic relationships, we often focus on emotional intelligence, communication skills, or compatibility as factors that determine success.

But a new study reveals that general intelligence—what we usually call IQ—might play a significant role in how men navigate their romantic relationships.

According to the study, conducted by Gavin S. Vance, Tara DeLecce, and Todd K. Shackelford of Oakland University, men with higher general intelligence are less likely to engage in aggressive or manipulative behaviors.

Specifically, these men are less inclined to use partner-directed insults or sexual coercion, both of which are detrimental to relationship health.

Instead, men with higher IQs tend to show greater relationship commitment and satisfaction, suggesting that intelligence might foster a more harmonious relationship dynamic.

The study was published on October 5, 2024, in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.

The Study: Who Participated and What Was Measured?

The study involved 202 men, all of whom had been in heterosexual romantic relationships for at least six months.

The average age of the participants was 25, with the average relationships length about three years.

Participants were recruited online and completed an intelligence test along with several questionnaires designed to assess their relationship behaviors, satisfaction levels, and emotional investment in their relationships.

To measure intelligence, the researchers used a 16-item cognitive ability test.

This test included tasks like letter and number sequences, matrix reasoning, and verbal problem-solving.

The goal was to assess the participants’ general cognitive ability, or “g,” which is often linked to problem-solving and abstract thinking.

Key Findings: Smarter Men Are Less Aggressive, More Committed

The results of the study showed a clear link between higher intelligence and more positive relationship behaviors.

Men with higher IQs were less likely to use insults or sexually coercive tactics in their relationships, behaviors that are often associated with partner dissatisfaction and conflict.

Instead, these men reported being more committed to their partners and expressed greater satisfaction with their romantic relationships overall.

This suggests that intelligence not only helps in solving abstract problems but also plays a role in fostering better interpersonal relationships.

Additionally, the study found that men with higher IQs were less likely to desire power or dominance within their relationships.

This points to intelligence as a possible factor in promoting more egalitarian and balanced partnerships, where mutual respect and emotional investment are prioritized over control or manipulation.

What About Emotional Intelligence?

While emotional intelligence (EQ) has long been considered crucial to relationship success, this study shifts some of the focus toward general intelligence (IQ).

Although EQ may help individuals manage emotions and improve communication, the findings here suggest that IQ might also play a significant role in determining how well individuals navigate conflicts, commit to their partners, and avoid harmful behaviors like manipulation or coercion.

Intelligence as a Key to Relationship Success

This research sheds new light on the role that general intelligence can play in fostering successful romantic relationships.

Men with higher IQs not only avoid harmful relationship behaviors but also exhibit greater commitment and satisfaction, helping to create healthier, more balanced partnerships.

While emotional intelligence remains important, the study shows that cognitive intelligence also deserves attention when considering the factors that lead to long-term relationship success.

Future directions for research include expanding the scope to study women and more diverse populations.

The study also acknowledged its limitations, such as the modest sample size and the exploratory nature of the research.

The authors suggested further investigation into whether intelligence plays a role in how individuals navigate relationship problems and achieve more desirable relationship outcomes.

Specifically, future research could explore how problem-solving ability might mediate the link between general intelligence and positive relationship outcomes​.

Article Details

Title: “Men’s General Intelligence and Heterosexual Romantic Relationship Outcomes”
Authors: Gavin S. Vance, Tara DeLecce, Todd K. Shackelford
Institution: Oakland University
Published: 5 October 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2024.112902
Journal: Personality and Individual Differences