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Perspective Taking and Specificity of Sensory Contact in Romantic Relationships

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 December 2015

Anca M. Miron ,
Robert A. Wicklund ,
Megan Diestelmann ,
Taresa Moore  and
Hannah Schroeder
Anca M. Miron*
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA
Robert A. Wicklund
Affiliation:
Bielefeld, Germany
Megan Diestelmann
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Taresa Moore
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Hannah Schroeder
Affiliation:
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
*
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Anca Miron, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

In two studies, we examined the effects of perspective taking aimed at one's romantic partner, and type of romantic relationship (long-distance vs. geographically close) on sensory specificity. Sensory specificity is defined as selectivity in using sensory dimensions such as visual, acoustical, or tactile, in romantic interactions. Participants were undergraduate students involved in exclusive romantic relationships. In Study 1 (N = 210), a perspective-taking orientation to the partner enhanced sensory selectivity in both types of relationships. In Study 2 (N = 120), in which perspective taking was manipulated, perspective taking caused an increase in sensory specificity for partners living in the same location, and not for those in long-distance relationships. These findings underscore the importance of studying perspective taking in the context of sensory-based romantic interactions. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Keywords

perspective takingsensorialitylong-distance relationshipsrelationship maintenance
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Relationships Research , Volume 6 , 2015 , e15
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2015 

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