Perceived superiority in close relationships: why it exists and persists

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Perceived superiority describes the tendency to view one's own relationship more favorably than others.
• This phenomenon is hypothesized to be a motivated bias, potentially serving a functional purpose in relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the motivational underpinnings of perceived superiority in relationships.
• To examine the functional role of perceived superiority in relationship maintenance and longevity.

Main Methods:

• Two studies employed a thought-listing technique to assess perceived superiority.
• Participants' relationship commitment and dyadic adjustment were measured.
• Psychological threat, accuracy, and control instructions were manipulated in Study 1.
• Relationship status and dyadic adjustment were tracked over time in Study 2.

Main Results:

• Perceived superiority and its link to commitment were strongest under psychologically threatening conditions and weakest under accuracy instructions.
• Earlier perceived superiority predicted the persistence of relationships.
• Perceived superiority increased over time with greater dyadic adjustment.
• Relationship commitment uniquely predicted perceived superiority beyond self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• Perceived superiority is a motivated phenomenon influenced by psychological threat and relationship commitment.
• This bias appears to serve a functional role in relationship maintenance, predicting relationship longevity and adjustment.