The Role of Attitudinal Similarity and Perceived Acceptance Evaluation in Interpersonal Attraction

Abstract

Summary The distinction is made between acceptance-liking evaluations and performance-character evaluations. The relationship between attitudinal similarity, perceived probability of acceptance, and interpersonal attraction is then empirically examined. Fifty Ss were presented with a standard “bogus stranger” attitude scale. Perceived probability of acceptance and interpersonal attraction were elicited by means of a modified Interpersonal Judgement Scale. Multiple regression analysis showed only perceived probability of acceptance to have a significant linear relationship with interpersonal attraction (p < .001). Similarity was significantly correlated with perceived probability of acceptance (p < .005), supporting the hypothesis that this information may be used in making acceptance inferences.