Is actual similarity necessary for attraction? A meta-analysis of actual and perceived similarity
Montoya, Horton and Kirchner meta-analysed 460 effects from 313 laboratory and field studies. Actual similarity and perceived similarity were both significantly and strongly associated with attraction. Actual similarity mattered in studies with no interaction or a short interaction, and its effect was not significant in existing relationships. Perceived similarity predicted attraction across all three study types. The authors discuss implications for established relationships.
Montoya, Horton and Kirchner meta-analysed 460 effects from 313 laboratory and field studies. Actual similarity and perceived similarity were both significantly and strongly associated with attraction. Actual similarity mattered in studies with no interaction or a short interaction, and its effect was not significant in existing relationships. Perceived similarity predicted attraction across all three study types. The authors discuss implications for established relationships.
Written from the abstract via Crossref, 2026-11-03; full text not read.
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Montoya, R. M., Horton, R. S., & Kirchner, J. (2008). Is actual similarity necessary for attraction? A meta-analysis of actual and perceived similarity. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 25(6), 889-922. doi:10.1177/0265407508096700 https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407508096700