Abstract
Both similarity and complimentary hypotheses have been advanced to explain the operation of the A-B variable in patient-therapist interaction. It was hypothesized that matching on A-B would not affect perceived similarity or ratings of regard and empathy while perceived similarity would affect regard and empathy. Thirty pairs of male undergraduates were selected on the basis of their A-B scores (As, ABs, and Bs) to provide ten subjects in all possible A-B pairings. Each dyad was instructed to talk about personally relevant topics. At the end of 40 minutes the subjects rated their partners on Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventories and a seven point bi-polar rating scale of similarity. The similarly paired subjects did not perceive themselves as more similar nor did they report greater empathy or regard than the dissimilar pairs. Perceived similarity, however, did relate to the perception of regard and empathy. Results were interpreted as consistent with studies indicating that the effect of A-B is due to personality qualities of A and B individuals and not matching.
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