| Abstract: | Although gender-specific constructs of hypertraditionality qualitatively differ (e.g., hyperfemininity and hypermasculinity), we view them as analogous constructs that can predict similarity/attraction effects. The similaritylattraction paradigm showed that individuals find attractive the traits in others that are similar to their own traits. We suggest that this effect applies to levels of hypertraditionality, as measured by the hyperfemininity and hypermasculinity personality scales. The studies were conducted to test this hypothesis. We began by manipulating stranger similarity in an attraction experiment. Results showed that similarity of hypertraditionality led to attraction. Women preferred target persons similar to themselves in hypertraditionality. Data from men revealed an unexpected interaction. Low hypermasculine men preferred women similar to themselves in hypertraditionality, yet high hypermasculine men did not distinguish between female strangers based on the stranger's level of hypertraditionality. We then studied dating couples. These couples provided real-world data that supported and expanded the laboratory observations. We found a significant positive correlation between the partners' levels of hypertraditionality. The implications of attraction based on hypertraditionality may provide insights for future studies of relationship formation and maintenance. |
