The Effect of Accuracy and Perceived Similarity in Ideal Friend Preferences on Friendship Satisfaction

Prior research in our lab using Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs) found that one’s perceived similarity in ideal partner preferences (i.e., traits and values one desires in a romantic partner) was positively related to one’s own romantic relationship satisfaction (β = 0.32, p < .001). In contrast, accuracy about one’s partner’s preferences (β = 0.07, p = .299) and actual similarity in preferences (β = 0.08, p = .231) were not significantly related to relationship satisfaction (North & Dobkins, in preparation). Although accuracy was not directly associated with satisfaction, exploratory analyses suggested that similarity partners’ accuracy levels may relate to relationship satisfaction. Specifically, individuals reporting higher relationship satisfaction appeared to show greater similarity in accuracy levels compared to those reporting lower satisfaction; however, this pattern was based on a small sample size and requires further empirical examination. Additionally, no significant partner effects were observed for perceived similarity or accuracy. The present study aims to extend this line of research by examining whether similar processes operate in a different relational context: close friendships. Prior work in our lab (North & Dobkins, in preparation) and in the broader literature has primarily examined perceived similarity and accuracy as predictors of relationship satisfaction among romantic couples (e.g., Sened et al., 2017; Tissera et al., 2023; Rentzsch et al., 2022), but there is evidence suggesting that these constructs may also be relevant in friendships. For example, perceiving similarity in personality traits is associated with greater friendship closeness (Selfhout et al., 2009), and greater accuracy in perceiving a friend’s motives and personality traits has been linked to higher friendship quality (Huelsnitz et al., 2020). Because friendship satisfaction is itself a robust predictor of well-being and life satisfaction (Demir & Weitekamp, 2007; Kaufman et al., 2022), it’s important to understand the interpersonal (e.g., accuracy) and intrapersonal (e.g., perceived similarity) processes that predict friendship satisfaction. Although previous studies have examined how similarity in personality traits predicts relationship outcomes (e.g., Linden-Anderson et al., 2009), relatively little research has investigated whether knowledge of a friend’s ideal friendship preferences (i.e., traits and values one desires a friend) and perceived similarity in ideal friendship preferences predicts relationship outcomes. The present study addresses this gap by examining whether (a) accuracy about a friend’s ideal friendship preferences and (b) perceived similarity in ideal friendship preferences is associated with friendship satisfaction. Preliminary data collected at UCLA suggests that perceived similarity in ideal friendship preferences is positively associated with friendship satisfaction (β = 0.28, p < .001). Since the preliminary data was collected among individual participants, the present study aims to test the robustness of this effect in a dyadic design while controlling for other factors. Additionally, by recruiting friend dyads, we will be able to examine multiple areas of correspondence (e.g., accuracy and perceived similarity), and evaluate both actor and partner effects. Although ideal preferences in romantic and friendship relationships are not identical, there is evidence of overlap in the qualities individuals desire in close others (Apostolou & Vesta, 2022). For example, individuals report desiring similar preferences for a sense of humor in friends and romantic partners (Sprecher & Regan, 2002). However, domains more relevant to romantic relationships (e.g., social status, earning potential, physical attractiveness) tended to have higher preference levels for romantic partners. To capture friendship preferences while allowing for comparisons to our previous work on preferences in romantic partners, we will use an adapted version of the Mate Preference Scale (MPQ15; Conroy-Beam et al., 2022), modified to assess ideal friendship preferences. This study will employ a cross-sectional dyadic design in which participants complete measures of their own ideal friendship preferences, their perceptions of their friend’s preferences, and friendship satisfaction. The independent variables are perceived similarity and accuracy in ideal friend preferences, and the dependent variable is friendship satisfaction. Data will be analyzed using Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs) to estimate both actor and partner effects. In addition, several potential covariates will be evaluated for inclusion in the models, and results will be reported both with and without covariates.