The Relational-Interdependent Self-Construal and Positive Illusions in Friendship

Three studies investigated whether the tendency to define the self in terms of close relationships moderates positive illusions in friendship (i.e., operationalized as the better-than-average effect). High scorers on the Relational-Interdependent Self-Construal (RISC) Scale were more likely to enhance a close/best friend over an acquaintance (Study 1), were more likely to exploit attribute ambiguity to favor their friends (Study 2), and were more likely to enhance their friends on communal over agentic attributes (Study 3) than low-RISCs. High-RISCs reported satisfying friendships and perceived their friendships to be better than average, compared to moderate- and low-RISCs. Also, friend enhancement on communal over agentic attributes predicted friendship satisfaction and friendship enhancement, but only for high-RISCs. These effects remained when controlling for personal self-esteem. We conclude by discussing directions for future research.