Accuracy and bias in perceptions of relationship authenticity

Abstract

Impressions regarding the attributes of romantic partners play an important role in shaping attributions for relationship-relevant behaviors, but these perceptions are a mix of fact and fiction. In the light of recent work demonstrating the importance of authenticity in relationships, the present study examined these accuracy and bias in perceptions of authenticity among dating and married couples. Ratings of self- and perceived-partner authenticity were obtained from 107 heterosexual couples and subjected to Truth-and-Bias analysis using Bayesian Structural Equations Modeling (SEM). Analyses revealed that perceptions of partners’ willingness to increase intimacy were both accurate and subject to assumed-similarity bias, whereas perceptions of partners’ aversion to deception showed no evidence of accuracy but were strongly influenced by assumed-similarity.