Abstract
Previous studies tested differences between the image of ideal and actual partner (i.e., discrepancy) employing retrospective reports which could bias the obtained data as participants might shape their preferences according to their current partner. Thus, in our study, participants reported their preferences before they had met their partner.
The aim of our study was to test discrepancy and its effects on the relationship outcome based on the data from speed-dating sessions. We collected data from 54 participants who took part in commercial speed-dating sessions ran in the Czech Republic.
Participants completed two sets of questionnaires: (a) on their ideal partner preferences before they attended the session and (b) the same set of characteristics on the actual person they selected at the speed-dating one week after the session. A month after the speed-dating, participants reported whether they are still seeing the person from speed-dating.
The individual characteristics (N = 31) entered factor analysis and were loaded into 3 factors (Status/Resources, Physical attractiveness, Warmth/Trustworthiness). Subsequently, we compared discrepancy in the 3 factors between those participants who were seeing someone they met at the speed-dating a month after (N = 21) and those who did not (N = 33).
We found that the participants who were still seeing someone from speed-dating had significantly lower discrepancy in the Physical attractiveness factor compared to those who were not. Our results indicate that discrepancy in physical appearance affect whether the relationship would continue.