Similarity Theory AO2

Similarity Theory AO2

1. Personality

   • CASPI AND HERBNER: found real-life married couples with similar personalities tended to be happier

2. Attitudes

   • Attitude alignment occurs with partners modifying attitudes to become more similar

3. Dissimilarity

   • ROSENBAUM: Suggests dissimilarity is more important in determining whether a relationship will form
   • Studies in USA and Singapore established that people where first attracted to similarities but when they got to know each other better and found dissimilarities they were less attracted

4. Limitations

   • YOSHIDA: pointed out that this theory only really focuses on personalty and attitudes. SPEAKMAN: found people often choose partners with similar levels of body fat

5. Why is it important?

   • CONDON AND CRANO: Assume people similar to us are more likely to like us so we lessen the chance of being rejected. When people share beliefes and attitudes it validates them and is rewarding.