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The structure of self–other overlap and its relationship to perspective taking
Author(s) -
MYERS MICHAEL W.,
HODGES SARA D.
Publication year - 2012
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.1475-6811.2011.01382.x
Subject(s) - closeness , perspective (graphical) , psychology , construct (python library) , social psychology , mathematics , computer science , artificial intelligence , mathematical analysis , programming language
Two studies tested whether “self–other overlap” is a multidimensional construct, with only some dimensions affected by perspective taking. In Study 1, participants ( n = 132) completed several previously used measures of self–other overlap for their best friend and acquaintance. Factor analyses revealed 2 distinct dimensions of self–other overlap— perceived closeness and overlapping representations . Perceived closeness but not overlapping representations was generally associated with relationship quality. Study 2 ( n = 118) manipulated perspective taking of a stranger. Results replicated a factor structure similar to Study 1, and found that perspective taking had different effects on the 2 dimensions of overlap. These results are discussed with regards to the debate over self–other overlap as a mediator of perspective taking's pro‐social effects.