On Creating Deeper Relationship Bonds: Felt Understanding Enhances Relationship Identification.

ABSTRACT: Relational experiences play a critical role in shaping how individuals see themselves. In four studies (N=945) using person-perception, longitudinal, and experimental designs, we demonstrate that feeling understood changes individuals' self-concept by increasing the centrality of a specific relationship (relationship identification). Study 1 showed that participants perceived an individual to be more identified with their relationship when their partner was high (vs. low) in understanding. Study 2 extended these results by examining individuals in romantic relationships longitudinally. The results of Studies 1 and 2 were distinct for understanding compared to acceptance and caring. Studies 3 and 4 manipulated felt understanding. Recalling many versus few understanding instances (Stu

SUBMITTER: Auger E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12446700 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature