Is actual similarity necessary for attraction? A meta-analysis of actual and perceived similarity

To evaluate the impact of actual and perceived similarity on interpersonal attraction, we meta-analyzed 460 effect sizes from 313 laboratory and field investigations. Results indicated that the associations between interpersonal attraction and both actual similarity (r = .47) and perceived similarit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of social and personal relationships 2008-12, Vol.25 (6), p.889-922
Main Authors: Montoya, R. Matthew, Horton, Robert S., Kirchner, Jeffrey
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attractiveness
Behavioural psychology
Correlation analysis
Developmental psychology
Group attraction
Human relations
Impact analysis
Interpersonal Relations
Marriage
Meta-analysis
Perception
Perceptions
Personal relationships
Sexuality
Systematic review
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Summary:To evaluate the impact of actual and perceived similarity on interpersonal attraction, we meta-analyzed 460 effect sizes from 313 laboratory and field investigations. Results indicated that the associations between interpersonal attraction and both actual similarity (r = .47) and perceived similarity (r = .39) were significant and large. The data also indicate that (i) actual similarity was important in no-interaction and short-interaction studies, (ii) there was a significant reduction in the effect size of actual similarity beyond no-interaction studies, and (iii) the effect of actual similarity in existing relationships was not significant. Alternatively, perceived similarity predicted attraction in no-interaction, short-interaction, and existing relationship studies. The implications of perceived similarity, rather than actual similarity, being predictive of attraction in existing relationships are discussed.
ISSN:0265-4075
1460-3608
DOI:10.1177/0265407508096700