Two studies examined self-defensiveness as a result of thinking about one's intimate relationship in terms of self-partner similarity or uniqueness. Fifty married couples (Study 1) and 106 single women who were involved in romantic relationships (Study 2) wrote essays on self-partner similarities or uniqueness or on movies (control). All participants were then given threatening information-spouse outperformed self on a novel task (Study 1)-or negative feedback on desirable attributes (Study 2). Defensiveness was measured. Content analysis revealed that relationship-similarity essays were associated with good feelings, a "we" focus, and limited cognitive processing. Relationship-uniqueness essays were associated with a self-focus, negative feelings, and substantial cognitive processing in terms of understanding and assimilation. In neither study did relationship-similarity essays reduce defensiveness; in both studies, relationship-uniqueness reduced defensiveness. Results are discussed in terms of the syndromes produced by the similarity and uniqueness essays.
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