Matchmaking Promotes Happiness

Lalin Anik,Michael I Norton

doi:10.1177/1948550614522303

Abstract

Four studies document and explore the psychology underlying people’s proclivity to connect people to each other—to play “matchmaker.” First, Study 1 shows that chronic matchmaking is associated with higher well-being. Studies 2 and 3 show that matching others on how well they will get along increases happiness and is more intrinsically rewarding than other tasks (e.g., deciding which people would not get along). Study 4 investigates a moderator of the rewarding nature of matchmaking: the type of connection. We show that bridging ties are relatively more attractive than bonding ties: The more unlikely the match, the more rewarding it is. Taken together, these studies provide correlational and causal evidence for the role of matchmaking in promoting happiness.

Highlights

Four studies document and explore the psychology underlying people’s proclivity to connect people to each other – to play “matchmaker.” First, Study 1 shows that chronic matchmaking is associated with higher well-being
Having more discrete types of social relationships is associated with increased longevity (Berkman, 1995) and better physical health outcomes (Berkman et al, 2000; Cohen, 1988; House et al, 1988; Seeman, 1996; Uchino, 2004)
We documented a critical moderator of rewarding nature of matchmaking: creating bridging ties – connecting people who would not otherwise be acquainted – is more rewarding than bonding ties

Summary

Introduction

Four studies document and explore the psychology underlying people’s proclivity to connect people to each other – to play “matchmaker.” First, Study 1 shows that chronic matchmaking is associated with higher well-being. Participants rated their propensity to make matches between others and their perceived success at matchmaking, reported their total number of acquaintances and friends, and completed wellvalidated scales assessing subjective well-being and personality.

Results

Conclusion