Language style matching predicts relationship initiation and stability

Molly E. Ireland; Richard B. Slatcher; Paul W. Eastwick; Lauren E. Scissors; Eli J. Finkel; James W. Pennebaker

doi:10.1177/0956797610392928

Language style matching predicts relationship initiation and stability

Molly E. Ireland, Richard B. Slatcher, Paul W. Eastwick, Lauren E. Scissors, Eli J. Finkel, James W. Pennebaker

Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

333 Scopus citations

Abstract

Previous relationship research has largely ignored the importance of similarity in how people talk with one another. Using natural language samples, we investigated whether similarity in dyads' use of function words, called language style matching (LSM), predicts outcomes for romantic relationships. In Study 1, greater LSM in transcripts of 40 speed dates predicted increased likelihood of mutual romantic interest (odds ratio = 3.05). Overall, 33.3% of pairs with LSM above the median mutually desired future contact, compared with 9.1% of pairs with LSM at or below the median. In Study 2, LSM in 86 couples' instant messages positively predicted relationship stability at a 3-month follow-up (odds ratio = 1.95). Specifically, 76.7% of couples with LSM greater than the median were still dating at the follow-up, compared with 53.5% of couples with LSM at or below the median. LSM appears to reflect implicit interpersonal processes central to romantic relationships.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	39-44
Number of pages	6
Journal	Psychological Science
Volume	22
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797610392928
State	Published - Jan 2011

Funding

Preparation of this manuscript was funded, in part, by the Army Research Institute (W91WAW-07-C-0029), the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (Z934002), and the National Science Foundation (NSCC-0904822).

Keywords

LIWC
dyads
language
relationship stability
romantic relationships

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Psychology

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10.1177/0956797610392928

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title = "Language style matching predicts relationship initiation and stability",

abstract = "Previous relationship research has largely ignored the importance of similarity in how people talk with one another. Using natural language samples, we investigated whether similarity in dyads' use of function words, called language style matching (LSM), predicts outcomes for romantic relationships. In Study 1, greater LSM in transcripts of 40 speed dates predicted increased likelihood of mutual romantic interest (odds ratio = 3.05). Overall, 33.3% of pairs with LSM above the median mutually desired future contact, compared with 9.1% of pairs with LSM at or below the median. In Study 2, LSM in 86 couples' instant messages positively predicted relationship stability at a 3-month follow-up (odds ratio = 1.95). Specifically, 76.7% of couples with LSM greater than the median were still dating at the follow-up, compared with 53.5% of couples with LSM at or below the median. LSM appears to reflect implicit interpersonal processes central to romantic relationships.",

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note = "Funding Information: Preparation of this manuscript was funded, in part, by the Army Research Institute (W91WAW-07-C-0029), the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (Z934002), and the National Science Foundation (NSCC-0904822). Copyright: Copyright 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.",

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doi = "10.1177/0956797610392928",

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AU - Pennebaker, James W.

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N2 - Previous relationship research has largely ignored the importance of similarity in how people talk with one another. Using natural language samples, we investigated whether similarity in dyads' use of function words, called language style matching (LSM), predicts outcomes for romantic relationships. In Study 1, greater LSM in transcripts of 40 speed dates predicted increased likelihood of mutual romantic interest (odds ratio = 3.05). Overall, 33.3% of pairs with LSM above the median mutually desired future contact, compared with 9.1% of pairs with LSM at or below the median. In Study 2, LSM in 86 couples' instant messages positively predicted relationship stability at a 3-month follow-up (odds ratio = 1.95). Specifically, 76.7% of couples with LSM greater than the median were still dating at the follow-up, compared with 53.5% of couples with LSM at or below the median. LSM appears to reflect implicit interpersonal processes central to romantic relationships.

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Language style matching predicts relationship initiation and stability

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