Same same but different: Similarity of goals and implicit motives in intimate relationships.

Abstract

Research has evidenced positive effects of dyadic similarity in various characteristics, such as values, attitudes and personality traits. Despite the well-known influence of motivational constructs on the functioning of intimate relationships, the investigation of dyadic similarity in motivational constructs has been neglected so far. We aimed to close this gap and extend existing research on spouses’ similarity in an extensive heterogeneous dyadic data set (N = 368 couples). We investigated the dyadic similarity of life goals and implicit motives, additionally examining relationship duration as an important predictor for similarity. With regard to life goals, results indicated a similarity, but no increase in similarity with longer relationship duration. With regard to implicit motives, our results showed a positive relationship between the similarity in implicit motives and relationship duration. We interpret the results concerning similarity in the context of assortative mating and convergence effects: Individuals choose a partner who has similar life goals at the beginning of their relationship, whereas spouses converge to each other in their implicit motives as they get better acquainted with each other.