The Impact of Mate Selection Methods on Marital Satisfaction

——An Investigation Based on CFPS 2010–2020 Data

Abstract

This study utilizes data from the China Family Panel Studies collected between 2010 and 2020 to investigate how mate selection methods influence marital satisfaction. The analysis employs ordered logit models, fixed-effects models, and propensity score matching techniques. Key findings reveal that individuals who met their partners through self-initiated channels such as school or workplace report higher marital satisfaction than those who relied on introductions by others. The effect of mate selection methods proves particularly significant for specific demographic groups including parents, highly educated individuals, high-income earners, urban residents with non-agricultural household registration, and male respondents. Further examination yields two important insights. First, marital satisfaction tends to be lower when couples meet through family introductions compared to friend introductions. Second, online-initiated relationships demonstrate lower satisfaction levels than offline self-initiated relationships. These results suggest practical implications. Educational institutions, employers, and government agencies should implement programs to expand young adults' social networks. Couples who met through introductions should consciously nurture emotional connections in their daily lives. Matchmakers would benefit from placing greater emphasis on emotional compatibility when facilitating potential matches.