Attraction

Attraction

The phenomena of people showing an interest in and like another person. It can also be the shared interest and liking of two or more people

Samuel Frenning

Proponent of Attraction theory

Attraction theory

This theory investigates and discusses the various reasons why people like one another.

Physical Attraction

Is the phenomenon of people being attracted based on another individual’s physical apperance or features. S

Social attraction

One is attracted to another because of their personality.

Task attraction

Occurs when one person is drawn to another based on their abilities.

Appearance, Proximity, Similarity, and Reward

Four elements of attraction

Appearance

People are frequently drawn to those who are considered attractive or fit

Proximity

We tend to like people who live close to us better than those who are at some distance

Propinquity

The state of being close to someone or something

Similarity

We like people whose attitudes and values agree with ours, and we dislike those who disagree with us

Similarity-attraction theory

This phenomenon describes where people tend to attract or to be attracted to other people they find similar to them in things they consider important.

Reward

This theory claims that people are attracted to individuals exhibiting behaviors that are rewarding to them or whom they associate with rewarding events.

Reinforcement/Affect theory, Social exchange theory, and Interdependence theory

Theoretical models of attraction

Reinforcement/affect theory

We like people who reward us and dislike people who punish us

Social exchange theory

We are attracted to others who we benefit from, When the risks outweigh the rewards, we tend to terminate or abandon the relationship.

Interdependence theory

Asserts that interpersonal interactions are determined by interpersonal interdependence

Complementarity

States that even though people are attracted to similarity, they can also be attracted to people who are different