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Single parenthood in the United States is quite common. In 2013, 28% of children were living with a single parent (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013a), with 85% of these children living with their mother. In fact, 77% of single parents are mothers (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013b). Most single parents are divorced or separated and have one child. In 2013, 55% of children in single-parent families were living with a parent who was separated, divorced, or widowed. Forty-five percent were living with a never-married parent (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013c). In 2013, 56% of single parents had one child and 30% had two (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013d). Many studies have focused on the hardships of single parenting and outcomes for children of single parents. For example, a search for 'single parents' effect on children' in PsychInfo yields over 1,500 results. However, very few have investigated single parental dating and the effects of being a parent on potential mate perceptions of dating. One such study (Sommer, Plumm, Terrance, & Tubré, 2013) found that perceptions of single adults in a dating profile varied by their gender and parental status, as well as the number of children they reported having. Sommer et al. (2013) suggested that parental status may affect the perception of others as attractive and desirable as a mate. The current study sought to explore the effects of both parental status and previous relationship status on perceptions of a potential dating partner via an online dating profile.
Previous studies have shown that divorced parents are likely to be perceived as a less attractive potential partner in the dating market (De Graaf & Kalmijn, 2003). De Graaf and Kalmijn (2003) found that children living with their single parents negatively affect parental repartnering. However, Goldscheider, Kaufman, and Sassler (2009) found that men are more likely to enter a relationship with a single mother if he has more positive attitudes about marrying a woman with children. Results were similar for women, except her willingness to marry a man with children was found only if he had not been married before (Goldscheider et al., 2009). Regarding men's acceptance of marrying a woman who has already been married, a man would be more...