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Similarity matters more for relationship satisfaction of lower than upper class individuals

Korean Journal of Social and Personality Psychology / Korean Journal of Social and Personality Psychology, (P)1229-0653;
2020, v.34 no.4, pp.1-18
https://doi.org/10.21193/kjspp.2020.34.4.001

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Abstract

Similarity attracts. One important reason for this is that perceived similarity functions to verify one’s pre-existing views of self and the world. For whom, then, does similarity matter more? This study examined whether the similarity premium varies according to one’s resource level. I predicted that relational benefits of perceived similarity would be more pronounced among members of the lower social class, which is associated with threat vigilance, low sense of control, and high communal orientation. This prediction was supported in three studies that employed different measurements of relationship satisfaction (romantic relationship satisfaction, Studies 1 and 3; friendship satisfaction, Study 2), and when social class was experimentally manipulated (Study 3). In short, individuals in lower economic class seem to benefit more from perceiving the partner as more similar to oneself. This research contributes to the similarity-attraction literature by shedding light on a new individual difference factor.

keywords
유사성, 대인 매력, 관계 만족도, 경제 수준, Similarity, interpersonal attraction, relationship satisfaction, social class

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Korean Journal of Social and Personality Psychology