From Misperception to Social Connection: Correlates and Consequences of Overestimating Others' Social Connectedness

A.V.  Whillans; C.  Christie; S.  Cheung; A.H.  Jordan; F.S.  Chen

Article | Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin | December 2017

From Misperception to Social Connection: Correlates and Consequences of Overestimating Others' Social Connectedness

by A.V. Whillans, C. Christie, S. Cheung, A.H. Jordan and F.S. Chen

Abstract

Two studies document the existence and correlates of a widespread social belief, wherein individuals who have recently moved to a new social environment see their peers as more socially connected than they themselves are. In Study 1, the prevalence of this belief was documented in a large sample of first-year students (N=1099). In Study 2, the prevalence of this social belief was replicated in a targeted sample of university students (N=389). Study 2 also documented both positive and negative implications of this belief. Specifically, at any given time, students who believed that their peers were more socially connected than they themselves were reported lower well-being and belonging. Over time, however, the belief that one’s peers are moderately more socially connected than oneself was associated with more friendship formation.

Keywords: social comparison; interpersonal relationships; well-being; Perception; Relationships; Familiarity; Happiness;

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Whillans, A.V., C. Christie, S. Cheung, A.H. Jordan, and F.S. Chen. "From Misperception to Social Connection: Correlates and Consequences of Overestimating Others' Social Connectedness." Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 43, no. 12 (December 2017): 1696–1711. (Pre-published online, September 2017.)

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From Misperception to Social Connection: Correlates and Consequences of Overestimating Others' Social Connectedness

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