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Women find men with dominant personality more desirable, while, men, on the other hand, find sensitive women more attractive, a new study has found. According to a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, women find men with genetic make-up linked to social dominance and leadership as more desirable romantic partners, while, men find women with genetic make-up linked to sensitivity/submissiveness more attractive, reported The Economic Times.

The purpose of the study was to find out if people's ability to quickly detect the so-called "good genes" influence their partner selection decision. Karen Wu, leader of the research team, along with his colleagues turned to speed-dating to test their predictions in a real-life scenario.

In the case of speed dating, people only had a few minutes to assess the short and long-term potential of their partners, and to make up their mind on whether or not to offer a second date to their partner. For the purpose of the study, the research team recruited 262 single Asian Americans to have three-minute dates with opposite sex members.

Participants, after each speed-date, were asked if they would want to date their partner again, and how desirable they found the person as a romantic partner. They were notified of a "match" and could obtain each other's contact information only if both the partners wished to offer each other another date.

The research team focused on two polymorphisms (on two different genes) that were previously linked to social dynamics while examining participants' DNA samples.

Among the two polymorphisms, "one is part of the genetic make-up that has been linked to social dominance and leadership, while, the second one, which has been linked to social sensitivity, is part of the opioid receptor gene that contributes to people's capacity to experience social pleasure and pain, and their need to have social contact," according to The Times of India.

The study found that men and women with genotypes consistent with prevailing gender norms were more likely to receive second date offers. They were also seen as more desirable short- and long-term romantic partners.

The findings have been published in the journal Human Nature.