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The attraction–similarity model and dating couples: Projection, perceived similarity, and psychological benefits
Author(s) -
MORRY MARIAN M.,
KITO MIE,
ORTIZ LINDSEY
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
personal relationships
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.81
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1475-6811
pISSN - 1350-4126
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-6811.2010.01293.x
Subject(s) - similarity (geometry) , psychology , attraction , social psychology , perception , priming (agriculture) , quality (philosophy) , developmental psychology , computer science , artificial intelligence , philosophy , linguistics , botany , germination , epistemology , neuroscience , image (mathematics) , biology
According to the attraction–similarity model, relationship quality leads to perceptions of partner–self similarity. Relationship quality and perceived similarity then provide psychological benefits for the perceiver. Across 3 studies, relationship quality positively predicted perceptions of similarity. Study 1 indicated that for moderate, but not low, relationship‐relevant traits, individuals projected the self onto the dating partner as a way of perceiving similarities. In Study 2, priming high, as opposed to low, relationship quality led to greater perceived similarity on the moderately relevant traits. Study 3 indicated greater perceived similarity between self and dating partner than between self and average same‐gender student on the moderately relevant traits. Relationship quality and perceived similarity with the dating partner on the moderately relevant traits also predicted psychological benefits.