Wishful Perceiving: A Value-Based Bias for Perception of Close Others

Why do people not perceive their close others accurately, although they have ample information about them? We propose that one reason for such errors may be bias based on personal values. Personal values may serve as schemas defining what people see as positive, and thus affect perceptions of others’ behavior, values, and traits. We propose that, in close relationships, people see others as sharing their own values. Six studies (N = 2,225; four preregistered analyses and one preregistered study) tested this bias. Perceivers reported their personal values and the perceived values, behaviors, or traits of a close other (target), while the target also reported on the same values, behaviors, or traits. Personal values significantly and positively related to perception of close others’ values and behaviors, while controlling for the real targets’ value/ behavior. Results were replicated for spouses, romantic partners, children, parents, and friends. Some evidence also supports the idea that the bias is stronger for relationships of better quality. Implications for relationship quality are discussed, as well as implications for the adaptive properties of this bias.