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 up to something.
Research shows that women with younger boyfriends score higher on emotional intelligence, sexual self-efficacy and happiness than women with partners of the same age.
According to scientists at London Metropolitan University, this suggests that their romantic relationships are more fulfilling.
“This study challenges the preconceived notion that women in relationships with younger men are less satisfying or less successful than women in comparable 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 up to something
Research shows that women with younger boyfriends score higher on emotional intelligence, sexual self-efficacy and happiness than women with partners of the same age. Pictured: Cher (77) with her boyfriend, Alexander Edwards (37)
The term “cougar” emerged in Vancouver bars 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 on older women dating younger men, and we wanted to gain a better understanding of the qualities of these women compared to women dating men of a similar age group,” said the researchers, led by Samantha. Banbury, wrote in their study, published in Sexual and relationship therapy.
For the study, the team recruited 24 women through social media platforms.
Among them were 17 'cougars' who were significantly older than their mates.
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 showed that the 'cougars' scored higher in all three categories. Madonna (65), is pictured with her boxer toyboy Joshua Popper (29)
The women were surveyed in three categories: sexual self-efficacy (SSE), emotional intelligence (EI) and subjective happiness (SH).
Sexual self-efficacy relates to sexual self-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 well-being and life satisfaction.
The survey results showed that the 'cougars' scored higher in all three categories.
“We found that 'cougars' scored higher on these measures than women in same-age dating groups,” the researchers wrote.
'Since SSE, EI and SH are associated with fulfilling intimate relationships, this study challenges the preconceived notion that women in relationships with younger men are less satisfying or less successful than women in comparable 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 between couples, including the development of appropriate interventions that extend to sexuality and relationship-diverse individuals,” she added.