Do people know what they want: A similar or complementary partner?

Original article:

Do people know what they want: A similar or complementary partner?

Evolutionary Psychology 6(4): 595-602 Pieternel Dijkstra, Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat, 2/I, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands,, dijkstrap@planet.nlDick P. H. Barelds, Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Abstract

The present study examined the extent to which individuals seek partners with similar, as opposed to complementary, personality characteristics. Results showed that whereas individuals desired a partner who resembles them in terms of personality, when asked about their preferences in general, most individuals indicated that they desired a complementary partner instead of a similar one. In addition to a similar partner with regard to personality, women also desired a more conscientious, less neurotic and more extraverted partner than men. These results are discussed with reference to the importance of matched personalities in marital success.

Keywords

partner selection, similarity, complementarity, personality

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