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Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 23, No. 6, 865-880 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407506068267

Perceived similarity and relationship success among dating couples: An idiographic approach

Catherine J. Lutz-Zois

University of Dayton, Catherine.Zois{at}notes.udayton.edu

Angela C. Bradley

University of South Florida

Jennifer L. Mihalik

Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau

Erika R. Moorman-Eavers

University of Dayton

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.

Key Words: idiographic • relationship outcome • relationship satisfaction • similarity • social cognition

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