The similarity-attraction link: sequential versus parallel multiple-mediator models involving inferred attraction, respect, and positive affect

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that the attitude similarity effect spreads sequentially through positive affect, respect, and inferred attraction to attraction. In Experiment 1, participants received information about a partner's similar or dissimilar attitudes and reported one of the three mediators before attraction. The similarity-attraction link was mediated by positive affect or respect but more strongly by inferred attraction. In Experiment 2, the three mediators were measured in different orders. Results falsified parallel and combined parallel-sequential multiple-mediator models and two of the fully sequential multiple-mediator models but supported four fully sequential models that were consistent with the affect-centered and affect primacy hypotheses.