title: The liking-similarity effect: perceptions of similarity as a function of liking.
abstract: In these two studies, we examined whether the inferences people make about likable and dislikable targets align with the predictions of balance theory. We hypothesized that people exhibit a liking-similarity effect by perceiving greater similarity with a likable person than a dislikable person. To test this hypothesis, we manipulated the likability of a target person and then assessed participants' perceptions of similarity to that target person. In both studies, people rated likable others as more similar to themselves than dislikable others across a variety of domains (e.g., attitudes, personality characteristics, behaviors). In Study 2, individual differences in self-concept clarity, self-esteem, and preference for consistency moderated the liking-similarity effect.
authors.affiliation: a Marian University.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Collisson
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Howell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011385:Projection; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012938:Social Perception; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: balance theory; impression formation; liking; similarity