Judgments about the hypothetical behaviors of friends and romantic partners

Abstract

Two studies investigated college students' ratings about hypothetical behaviors performed by a self-reported friend or romantic partner. In Study 1 participants read scenarios involving themselves and a friend, romantic partner or unfamiliar peer whose behavior resulted in either a positive or negative outcome for the participant. Ratings of the partner's behavior were equally positive for friends and romantic partners and were both significantly higher than behavioral ratings for unfamiliar peers. Ratings of friends' and romantic partners' behavior were also related to participants' ratings of the quality of those relationships. In Study 2 participants read scenarios describing situations in which behavioral expectations might differ for friends and romantic partners, resulting in participants generally providing higher ratings for friends' behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of partner enhancement and relationship expectations.