Proof of Concept and Moderators of Transference Processes in an Online Setting

Previous research examining transference – which posits people draw on past experiences with close others to inform novel interactions has found that attribute qualities and express preferences for targets based their similarity significant others. However, classic tasks testing required multiple sessions over many weeks, limiting the test of this process relatively small, college student samples. The purpose current study (N = 532, Mage 34.81, SD 9.83, 61.47% Men, 63.35% White) was create an online version a task administered in one session replicate effect larger sample participants across lifespan, whether resembling parents ex-partners were preferable control targets. effects preference replicated task. We also preliminary evidence slightly stronger older individuals secure individuals, albeit small. Results are discussed context how use previous existing relationships guide behavior new relationships.