From Cher to Priyanka Chopra, many of the most famous women in Hollywood are known for dating younger men.
And now a study suggests that these so-called ‘cougars’ may be on to something.
Research shows that women with younger boyfriends score more highly for emotional intelligence, sexual self-efficacy, and happiness than ladies with partners of the same age.
According to scientists from London Metropolitan University, this suggests their romantic relationships are more fulfilling.
‘This study questions the preconceived notion that women in relationships with younger men are any less fulfilling or successful than those in similar relationships,’ the researchers wrote.
From Cher to Priyanka Chopra, 40, (pictured with her husband, Nick Jonas, 30), many of the most famous women in Hollywood are known for dating younger men. And now a study suggests that these so-called ‘cougars’ may be on to something
Research shows that women with younger boyfriends score more highly for emotional intelligence, sexual self-efficacy, and happiness than ladies with partners of the same age. Pictured: Cher (77) with her boyfriend, Alexander Edwards (37)
The term ‘cougar’ originated in the bars of Vancouver back in the early 2000s and refers to an older woman who prefers to date younger men.
Several celebrities have earned the title thanks to their relationships with younger men.
For example, Demi Moore famously dated Ashton Kutcher who was 15 years her junior, while Priyanka Chopra, 40, is married to Nick Jonas, 30.
Despite its prevalence in Hollywood, society still tends to view these women more critically than older men who date younger women.
‘There needs to be more research in the literature looking at older women who date younger men, and we wanted to understand more about the qualities of these women compared to women who date men of a similar age group,’ the researchers, led by Samantha Banbury, wrote in their study, published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy.
In the study, the team recruited 24 women via social media platforms.
This included 17 ‘cougars’ who were significantly older than their partner.
Demi Moore (right) famously dated Ashton Kutcher (left) who was 15 years her junior, while Priyanka Chopra, 40, is married to Nick Jonas, 30
The survey results revealed that the ‘cougars’ scored higher across all three categories. Madonna (65), is pictured with her boxer toyboy Joshua Popper (29)
The women were surveyed across three categories – sexual self-efficacy (SSE), emotional intelligence (EI), and subjective happiness (SH).
Sexual self-efficacy relates to sexual confidence and satisfaction, while emotional intelligence refers to the ability to perceive, express and regulate emotions.
Finally, subjective happiness is the personal perception of your own wellbeing and life satisfaction.
The survey results revealed that the ‘cougars’ scored higher across all three categories.
‘We found that “Cougars” had higher scores among these measures than women in age-matched dating groups,’ the researchers wrote.
‘Since SSE, E.I., and S.H. are associated with fulfilling intimate relationships, this study questions the preconceived notion that women in relationships with younger men are any less fulfilling or successful than those in similar relationships.’
The researchers hope the findings will encourage further research into relationships with large age gaps.
‘We argue that further research is needed to understand the age gap in dating among couples, including the development of suitable interventions that extend to sexuality and relationship-diverse individuals,’ they added.
