Existing research has suggested a predominantly negative view of dependency-oriented help. In contrast, the current research aims to test the positive function of dependency-oriented help in intimate relationships where interpersonal dependency is valued. We hypothesized that dependency-oriented help-seeking could function in communicating liking and romantic interests and, therefore, can be instrumental in attracting mates. Our hypothesis was confirmed across nine studies (N = 2,535). For help-seekers, a mate-seeking motivation could positively predict (Study 1) and lead to (Studies 2A-4) dependency-oriented help-seeking behavior tendencies (Studies 1-2B) and actual behavior (Studies 3 and 4). For help-providers, after activating a mating goal, imagining (Studies 5A and 5B) and actually receiving (Study 6) dependency-oriented (vs. autonomy-oriented) help-seeking requests from a potential mate increased help-providers' romantic interests in that mate. Study 7 further showed the function of dependency-oriented help from the perspective of romantic competitors. As such, people in romantic relationships were more likely to see a potential competitor as a mate poacher when this person asked for dependency-oriented help from their partner. Theoretical and practical implications have been discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

中文翻译：

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爱我，因为我依赖你：以依赖为导向的寻求帮助作为人类交配的策略。


现有的研究表明，对依赖导向的帮助持负面看法为主。相比之下，目前的研究旨在测试以依赖为导向的帮助在重视人际依赖的亲密关系中的积极功能。我们假设以依赖为导向的寻求帮助可以在交流喜好和浪漫兴趣方面发挥作用，因此有助于吸引配偶。我们的假设在 9 项研究中得到证实 （N = 2,535）。对于寻求帮助的人来说，寻求配偶的动机可以积极预测（研究 1）并导致（研究 2A-4）依赖导向的寻求帮助行为倾向（研究 1-2B）和实际行为（研究 3 和 4）。对于帮助提供者来说，在激活交配目标后，想象（研究 5A 和 5B）并实际接受（研究 6）来自潜在伴侣的依赖导向（相对于自主导向）寻求帮助的请求，这增加了帮助提供者对该伴侣的浪漫兴趣。研究 7 从浪漫竞争者的角度进一步显示了依赖导向帮助的功能。因此，当潜在的竞争对手向伴侣寻求以依赖为导向的帮助时，处于恋爱关系中的人更有可能将潜在的竞争对手视为伴侣偷猎者。已经讨论了理论和实践意义。（PsycInfo 数据库记录 （c） 2024 APA，保留所有权利）。