A social relations examination of neuroticism and emotional support

Personality factors have been linked to perceptions of the self and others. We examined the extent to which self and other-perceptions of neuroticism and emotional support were interrelated and related to self-reported life satisfaction. Members of sororities and fraternities completed self-ratings and other-ratings on neuroticism, emotional support, and life satisfaction. Using a social relations model framework, we found evidence of perceptual biases and behavioral expression of both neuroticism and emotional support. Additionally, there was self-other agreement in terms of both neuroticism and emotional support. Viewing others as neurotic was associated with lower life satisfaction. Results are discussed in light of research on interpersonal relationships and perception. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.