Self‐concept clarity and the evaluation and selection of incompatible dating partners

Abstract

Romantic compatibility is theorized to play a crucial role in the success and stability of romantic relationships, although evidence to date has been somewhat indirect. Previous experimental findings suggest that those lower, relative to higher, in self‐concept clarity find it more challenging to evaluate similarity (i.e., a contributor to compatibility) in prospective romantic partners. The current research extends these findings by directly examining self‐concept clarity and romantic partner (in)compatibility in real‐world experiences. Across two retrospective studies (N = 340), we found that those lower, relative to higher, in self‐concept clarity dated incompatible others more frequently, experienced greater difficulty judging compatibility, and were less decisive in their dating decisions. They also experienced greater dating‐related negative affect but did not report lower satisfaction in past dating. Exploratory mediation analyses further suggest that such individuals experienced greater dating‐related negative affect through dating incompatible others more often. Specifically, they were more likely to date incompatible others if they found it harder to judge compatibility and were less decisive in dating. These results suggest that individuals with a confused personal identity (i.e., low in self‐concept clarity) may find it more challenging to evaluate potential dating partners, leading them to rule out incompatible ones less often.