“Someone I Could Spend My Life With…”: Do College Students Still Believe in Soulmates?

Authors: Matthew Bitterman, Lili Pitkowsky, Aadi Shah, Haille Mark, Deanna Capobianco, Emma Fitzgerald

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Binghamton Human Sexualities Lab

Faculty Mentors: Ann Merriwether, Sean Massey, Melissa Hardesty, Sarah Young

Easel: 67

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Previous data collected over a decade ago found college students believed in soulmates and had different criteria for an ideal soulmate and an ideal hookup partner. Desired soulmate characteristics were focused on personality while desired hookup partner characteristics were focused on physical traits. In addition, gender differences existed between the desired soulmate characteristics and hookup partner characteristics. The current study compares this older data with present-day college students’ expectations about soulmates and hookup partner ideals. Specifically, the study investigated if current students replicate the previous findings of soulmate and hookup partners’ divergent ideals. Current data were compared to the previously collected sample. Preliminary analysis demonstrates that many college students still believe in soulmates. Moreover, the difference in desired characteristics between soulmates and hookup partners remained consistent. Gender differences also persisted. This research provides insight into college students short-term and long-term relationship goals and any potential changes over time.