Perspective Taking and Specificity of Sensory Contact in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

In two studies, we examined the effects of perspective taking aimed at one's romantic partner, and type of romantic relationship (long-distance vs. geographically close) on sensory specificity. Sensory specificity is defined as selectivity in using sensory dimensions such as visual, acoustical, or tactile, in romantic interactions. Participants were undergraduate students involved in exclusive romantic relationships. In Study 1 (N = 210), a perspective-taking orientation to the partner enhanced sensory selectivity in both types of relationships. In Study 2 (N = 120), in which perspective taking was manipulated, perspective taking caused an increase in sensory specificity for partners living in the same location, and not for those in long-distance relationships. These findings underscore the importance of studying perspective taking in the context of sensory-based romantic interactions. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Contact and perspective taking improve humanness standards and perceptions of humanness of older adults and people with dementia: a cross-sectional survey study

“…P e r s pe c t i v e -ta k i n g o r i e n tat i o n We modified Miron et al (2015)'s perspectivetaking orientation measure to assess perspective taking in this study. Depending on condition, participants were asked either whether they had a close friend/relative diagnosed with dementia or an older close friend/relative.…”

“…Our second research goal was to test whether humanness standards and perceived humanness of older adults and of those with dementia are a function of the extent of contact and perspective taking. We define perspective-taking orientation as routinely taking the perspective of a friend or family member, who has dementia (or is older) and actively thinking of his or her situation and symptoms (Miron et al, 2015). Previous exposure and recent experience or employment with people with dementia are key factors in the development of positive responses to this population (Kane et al, 2004).…”