Dating-Up: Discrepancy of Inclusion of Other in the Self as a Result of Partner-Self Mate Value Discrepancy
Abstract
Inclusion of other in the self – the experience of closeness as overlapping selves – has a critical role in the success of romantic relationships. Romantic partners, however, might experience differences in their inclusion of each other, which can be problematic. Therefore, it is important to identify what factors can result in a discrepancy of inclusion of other in the self between romantic partners. Study 1 tested how perceived differences in desirability between the self and a romantic partner are associated with inclusion of other in the self and closeness. Romantic couples (n=122) completed measures that assessed inclusion of other in the self, closeness, perceived partner-self mate value discrepancy, and self-expansion. Results showed that partner-self mate value discrepancy did not influence levels of inclusion or closeness felt for a romantic partner. Higher self-expansion, however, predicted higher inclusion of and closeness felt for a romantic partner. Study 2 tested how perceived differences in desirability between the self and a potential romantic partner are associated with inclusion of other in the self and willingness to include the other in the self. Additionally, a new scale to assess willingness to include the other in the self was tested. Singles (n=103) completed an online dating profile and were given an online match that varied in mate value. Results showed that the direction of partner-self mate value discrepancy did not influence levels of willingness to include the other in the self or inclusion. Participants, however, reported higher willingness to include the other in the self and inclusion of other in the self for an online match when the online match was high in mate value. Psychometric properties of the Willingness to Include the Other in the Self Scale are reported. In both studies, additional variables such as time of data collection (pre-pandemic vs during-pandemic) are explored. Results suggest that inclusion of other in the self is lower in couples that were collected during-pandemic but did not influence responses for participants who are single.
Subject Area
Psychology|Experimental psychology
Recommended Citation
Lechuga, Jacqueline, "Dating-Up: Discrepancy of Inclusion of Other in the Self as a Result of Partner-Self Mate Value Discrepancy" (2020). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI28262374.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI28262374