College students' attitudes toward finding a mate to escape depression: sex differences.

College student respondents (n = 128) were compared on their consideration of finding a mate or significant other as a strategy for a hypothetical teacher ("Terry") displaying symptoms of dysthymic disorder (DSM-IV criteria). The sex of "Terry" was manipulated by descriptive pronoun (he or she) only. Analysis indicated differences based on sex of Terry and sex of respondent. Respondents favored finding a mate for the hypothetical male more than the female. Men, more than women, supported finding a mate or significant other for the teacher.