, the adults' quest for adult love and sexuality in their mate selection process is thus inextricably interwoven with their infantile desires and relationships with their parents ("Psychological Theories about the Dynamics of Love (I)").
In the ideal mate theory, people construct fantasies of their ideal mate, which are influenced by their childhood experiences ("Cohabitation and Mate Selection"). According to Shaver, Hazan and Bradshaw (1988), Bowlby's theory of infant attachment and Ainsworth's description of the three different types of attachment styles are also applicable to the attachment styles of adults. Essentially, the adults' recollections of their attachment-relationships with their parents will influence how they choose their partners and relate to them (cited in "Psychological Theories about the Dynamics of Love (II)").
The complementary needs theory highlights the fact that individuals select mates who complement them. Aron and Aron's (1986) concept of self-expansion provides an apt example of the complementary needs theories. According to Aron and Aron (1986), individuals are attracted to their opposites who are able to challenge them to expand beyond their limitations. Even though couples may be attracted to one another due to their similarities initially, it is ultimately their differences and the potential for growth in the relationship that ensures its longevity (cited in "Psychological Theories about the Dynamics of Love (I)").
According to the traditional exchange theory, individuals choose their mates that will enhance their individual situation. For example, David (1941) and Merton (1941)'s exchange hypothesis explained that members of particular ethnic groups with low social status will marry outside their ethnic group to increase their status by offering a high socioeconomic status in exchange (cited in Kalmijn 414).
With regard to equity theory, the selection of the mates hinges on...