The relationship superiority effect is moderated by the relationship context

Previous research has identified the perceived superiority effect, defined as the tendency to regard oneʹs own relationship as better than other peopleʹs relationships, as a cognitive maintenance mechanism that supports commitment to close relationships. The present research was designed to test the hypothesis that the perceived superiority effect is moderated by the relationship context — that is, to whom oneʹs relationship is being compared. Two different measures based on a spontaneous thought-listing procedure demonstrated that the perceived superiority effect is significantly stronger when comparing oneʹs own relationship to the relationships of people in general than to the relationships of close friends. Correlational analyses suggested that this difference may reflect peopleʹs tendency to experience close friendsʹ outcomes as personal outcomes.