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Article
Perceived Similarity and Relationship Success among Dating Couples: An Idiographic Approach
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
  • Catherine J. Lutz, University of Dayton
  • Angela Christine Bradley, University of South Florida
  • Jennifer L. Mihalik, Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau
  • Erika R. Moorman, University of Dayton
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2006
Abstract

This study utilized an idiographic approach to investigate the relation between similarity on valued characteristics and relationship success. College students (N = 247) rated their current romantic partner on perceived similarity in personality, attitudes, interests, and religious affiliation; the importance of similarity in these dimensions; and relationship satisfaction. Relationship status was assessed 6 weeks later. Results revealed significant similarity by importance interactions for religion and interests in predicting satisfaction. Participants with high perceived similarity in religion or interests reported greater satisfaction than did their low similarity counterparts, but only to the extent that they rated this type of similarity as being important to them. Similar results were found for attitudes in predicting Time 2 outcomes.

Inclusive pages
865-880
ISBN/ISSN
0265-4075
Document Version
Postprint
Comments

Article available for download is the authors' accepted manuscript. Some differences may exist between the manuscript and the published version; as such, researchers wishing to quote directly from this resource are advised to consult the version of record. See the publisher's website to view the version of record.

Peer Reviewed
Yes
Citation Information
Catherine J. Lutz, Angela Christine Bradley, Jennifer L. Mihalik and Erika R. Moorman. "Perceived Similarity and Relationship Success among Dating Couples: An Idiographic Approach" Journal of Social and Personal Relationships Vol. 23 Iss. 6 (2006)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/catherine_zois/12/