Development and validation of the measure of initial attraction- Short Interest Scale (MIA-I)

Abstract

Unilateral initial attraction (UIA) is a positive affective reaction following a unilateral perception of an unknown target, defi ning the fi rst stage in developing a new interpersonal relationship. Although little attention is given to this construct, literature suggests it has a physiological activation component as well as an interpersonal interest component. However, this interest component emerges as necessary to willingly approach another person and eventually initiate interaction. Based on these evidences, we developed and validated the Measure of Initial Attraction -Interest Short Scale (MIA-I) in a sample of Portuguese-speaking individuals (Study 1, N = 544). Results suggest the MIA-I is a valid and reliable instrument (Study 1; Study 2a), and show its capacity to discriminate UIA across different relationships (Study 1) and to differentiate UIA from passion and love (Study 1). Towards an unknown target, the MIA-I also distinguished UIA from liking (Study 2b). These results show that the MIA-I assesses a specifi c construct, differentiated from liking, passion and love, and suggest its importance to understand the UIA phenomenon.

The “I” in us, or the eye on us? Regulatory focus, commitment and derogation of an attractive alternative person

“…This measure was developed in Portuguese [ 36 ]. Participants were asked to indicate their initial attraction towards the target (five items; α = .93; e.g., “I would like to know this person better”).…”

“…The questionnaire started with standard demographic questions (e.g., age, relationship status, sexual orientation), followed by the regulatory focus measure. After this, a black and white headshot (3 x 4 inches) of an opposite sex attractive target with a neutral facial expression (pre-tested; [ 36 ]] was presented for 5 seconds, followed by the initial attraction measure. Because commitment refers to a specific romantic relationship, only romantically involved participants were additionally asked to indicate their commitment to their romantic relationship.…”

“…As such, it is possible that in the preliminary study using only romantically involved participants [ 5 , 6 ], those predominantly prevention-focused interpreted “alternative to my relationship” as potential alternative sexual partners, which activated greater derogation due to a greater perceived threat to the relationship. In contrast, our measure of initial attraction does not contain items associated with sexuality, and reflects interest in knowing more about another person [ 36 , 45 ]. This may be the reason for the lack of association between commitment and initial attraction among these individuals.…”

A new look at online attraction: Unilateral initial attraction and the pivotal role of perceived similarity

“…This procedure followed past research showing that photos depicting information related to physical appearance (e.g., clothing) influences judgments of targets in unexpected ways (e.g., Albright, Kenny, & Malloy, 1988) The target was shown on screen for 5 seconds and was followed by the dependent measures. Participants were asked to: (a) rate the target in attractiveness (four items, α = .87; "I think this person is…", 1 = Ugly, 9 = Beautiful; 1 = Unpleasant, 9 = Pleasant; 1 = Displeasing, 9 = Pleasing; 1 = Unattractive, 9 = Attractive), (b) indicate to what extent they perceive the target to be similar to them (three items; α = .90; "I think this person has…" "…ideas and thoughts similar to mine", "…attitudes similar to mine", and "…beliefs similar to mine", all 1 = Not at all, 9 = A lot), and (c) report their initial attraction (UIA scale comprising five items, α = .94; "If I came to know this person, I would…" "…be willing to be with him/her", "…be willing to laugh with him/her", "…feel joy", "… feel empathy", "…be ONLINE ATTRACTION AND THE UIA PHENOMENON 13 willing to know more about him/her", all 1 = Not at all, 9 = A lot; Rodrigues & Lopes, 2015).…”

Catching feelings: Exploring commitment (un)readiness in emerging adulthood

“…Attraction thereby occurs between first unilateral awareness and interest in interacting; as such, it transpires often prior to communication exchange or acknowledgment of reciprocity of interest (Rodrigues & Lopes, 2014). Moreover, liking is a positive general evaluation that does not signal willingness to approach another with romantic or sexual interest (Hendrick & Hendrick, 1982; Rodrigues & Lopes, 2014). Even so, attraction and liking do not necessarily involve feelings of romantic or sexual interest, nor desirability to initiating a romantic relationship.…”