Dynamics of Marriage and Family

Dynamics of Marriage and Family 3(3+0)

Lesson 10 & 11 : Theories on Mate Selection

Complementary Needs Theory

This theory emphasizes that while one chooses a marriage partner he/she expects that his/her partner will provide maximum need-gratification and this gratification occurs best when the per¬sonality characteristics of the man and the woman are complementary rather than similar. If, for example, the male is basically submissive, he will seek a woman who can dominate him. Or if a woman is a "nurturant" person who needs to have things done for her, she will be attracted to a "succorant" man who gains satisfaction from doing things for others.