Similarity and Interpersonal Attraction Theory

1. By Kristen Allen
Similarity and
Interpersonal
Attraction
Theory

2. Now, I know what you’re thinking…
And you’re kind of right!! But more on that later…

4. Have you ever heard the phrase “birds
of a feather flock together ”?

5. Similarity-Attraction
If we believe people are similar to us, then
we are more attracted to them. This is
also known as homophily.
In the beginning of relationships, we all
evaluate each other using perceived
similarity, or the degree to which we
believe another’s characteristics are
similar to ours.
Remember?

6. Bersheid and Walster (1978)
suggested there are 6 dimensions of
similarity
1.Attitude
2.Personality
3.Physical characteristics
4.Social characteristics
5.Intelligence
6.Education

7. McCrosky, Richmond, and Daly
(1975) suggested there are 4
dimensions of similarity
1.Attitude similarity
2.Value similarity (morality)
3.Background similarity
4.Appearance similarity

8. Basically…
Examples could be your best friend whom you liked
from the beginning because you had the same taste in
clothes, music, sports, movies, hobbies, etc…
Or that person you liked because you thought they
were physically attractive, they had similar values and
ideals to yours, AND they were in the same social
group as you. So, obviously, it was meant to be.

9. Who uses it?

10. Well, whether it’s romantic relationships…
Hey girl.

11. friendships,
or even strangers!
Similarity-attraction
theory is a basis for
ALL human
interaction!
(So, everyone!)

12. The similarity-attraction theory falls under the
interpersonal communication area of
communication studies.
It takes more than 1 person to have a relationship!
Why Should You Care?

13. It answers the questions “why do we like each
other?” and “what makes me like you in the first
place?”
Similarity and interpersonal attraction theory is a
basis for why ALL humans interact and why!

14. Criticism
Sunnafrank (1992) attacked the premise that attitude
similarity causes interpersonal attraction. He said “there is
no justification for the strong belief that attitude similarity
causes interpersonal attraction. He believes the “cause-
and-effect” relationship between similarity and attraction
does not exist.
Also, some say that similarity-attraction theory doesn’t
apply to all social situations. People that share similar
negative characteristics, for example, may not like one
another.

15. Last, but not least
Many fields of study use the similarity and
interpersonal attraction theory! Some are
(but not limited to)…
…and more!
Social Psychology Marketing
Political Science Sociology

17. The End! 