Perceived superiority in close relationships
Why it exists and persists
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6205486 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Caryl E Rusbult (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, corresponding author), Paul A M Van Lange (0000-0001-7774-6984, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Tim Wildschut (0000-0002-6499-5487, University of Amsterdam), Nancy A Yovetich (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Julie Verette (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) |
| Year | 2000 |
| Volume | 79 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 521-545 |
| Publication date | 2000-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-3514 • E-ISSN: 1939-1315 |
| Publisher | American Psychological Association (APA) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1037//0022-3514.79.4.521 |
| PMID | 11045737 |
| OpenAlex | W4230757711 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 75 |
| References cited | 66 |
Two studies used a thought-listing technique to examine perceived superiority, or the inclination to regard one's own relationship as better than (and not as bad as) others' relationships. Consistent with the claim that this is a motivated phenomenon-and motivated in part by strong commitment-Study 1 revealed that (a) tendencies toward perceived superiority and (b) the commitment-superiority link are both strongest given psychologically threatening instructions and weakest given accuracy instructions (control instructions are intermediate). Consistent with the claim that this phenomenon serves a functional purpose, Study 2 revealed that earlier perceived superiority predicts later relationship status (persisted vs. ended) and increases over time in dyadic adjustment. Also, commitment accounts for unique variance in perceived superiority beyond self-esteem
Cognitive psychology · Empirical research · Epistemology · Illusion · Illusion of control · Optimism · Perception · Phenomenon · Variance (accounting · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Personality Traits and Psychology · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology
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| Unique citing works | 73 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 3 |
| Citation span | 2001 - 2025 (25) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 67 |