When Did I Know Thee? Let Me Count the Months: Retrospective Accounts of Impression Formation in Close Relationships
Start Date
12-4-2024 4:00 PM
Location
CASB 103
Document Type
Presentation
Abstract
In order to determine the typical developmental trajectory of accuracy in close relationships, we surveyed a representative sample of 301 American adults. We asked them to consider a long-term relationship in which they had been involved and to indicate how much time passed before they felt confident that they knew specific aspects of their relationship partner’s personality. In keeping with existing data, participants felt that they could accurately judge Extraversion quite early in relationships. On the other hand, traits like Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, and Openness seemed to take several weeks to months before a perception became established. More surprisingly, participants reported forming early, accurate impressions of Agreeableness—which contrasts with data from studies of interpersonal perception. We discuss the implications and potential explanations for these findings.
Keywords
personality psychology, Big Five, relationships, trait theory
When Did I Know Thee? Let Me Count the Months: Retrospective Accounts of Impression Formation in Close Relationships
CASB 103
In order to determine the typical developmental trajectory of accuracy in close relationships, we surveyed a representative sample of 301 American adults. We asked them to consider a long-term relationship in which they had been involved and to indicate how much time passed before they felt confident that they knew specific aspects of their relationship partner’s personality. In keeping with existing data, participants felt that they could accurately judge Extraversion quite early in relationships. On the other hand, traits like Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, and Openness seemed to take several weeks to months before a perception became established. More surprisingly, participants reported forming early, accurate impressions of Agreeableness—which contrasts with data from studies of interpersonal perception. We discuss the implications and potential explanations for these findings.