Trait and goal similarity and discrepancy in romantic couples

•Trait and goal similarity are significantly related.•Trait similarity predicted relationship satisfaction for females.•Trait discrepancy predicted satisfaction for males.•Goal similarity and discrepancy was not related to relationship satisfaction.•Several goals showed significantly lower levels of discrepancy among partners, particularly religious and spiritual goals.

Past research has suggested that romantic partners tend to be more similar than expected by chance and similarity in certain personality variables has been associated with relationship satisfaction. The present study investigated the existence of similarity and the association of similarity among romantic partners with relationship satisfaction (N = 125 couples). Couples who were similar in traits also showed higher levels of similarity in personal goals. Similarity and discrepancy in personality traits were associated with relationship satisfaction in females (positively) and males (negatively) respectively. Similarity and discrepancy in personal goals were not significantly related to relationship satisfaction. Facets of the Big Five assessed did not show any evidence of greater or lesser discrepancy than would be expected by chance. Personal goals that related to religion and spirituality showed lower levels of discrepancy than by chance, but the results were inconsistent for other personal goals. Implications for relationship satisfaction are discussed.