Financially independent women want a man with experience, study reveals

FINANCIALLY independent "cougar" women may go for looks, but it seems they also want a bit of experience, according to psychologists at the University of Abertay Dundee.

• The 'George Clooney effect' is prevalent among well-off women, researchers say Picture: Getty Images

This "George Clooney effect" differs from the approach of older, well-off men who tend to go for younger women. The researchers discovered that as women become more financially independent, they seek older, more attractive male partners.

Previous work has found that women place greater emphasis on whether a man can provide for them when they are choosing a new partner.

The latest study, published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, suggests that greater financial independence gives women greater confidence in choosing their partner, and instinctive preferences for material stability and security become less important.

Lead researcher Dr Fhionna Moore, a psychology lecturer at the University of Abertay Dundee, said: "We'd assumed that as women earn more, their partner preferences would actually become more like those of men, with a tendency towards preferring younger, more attractive partners rather than those who can provide and care for children. However, the preferred age difference did not change as we had expected."

The research asked people about their background and personal situation, and their level of financial independence.