close relationships & diversity issues

what is a relationship?

- partners are mutually and causally interconnected

- involves strong, frequent, diverse interactions

two most important theories in relationship science

interdependence + attachment

uniqueness

outcomes depend on unique qualities that emerge when partners' qualities intersect

interdependence theory

posits that qualities of each partner influence how they interact in situations + subsequent outcomes

- one of the most IMPORTANT theories

relational regulation theory

extent to which social interactions regulate affect, behaviour, and cognition depend on traits and preferences of each partner

integration

opportunities/motivations for interdependence facilitate cognitive, affective, motivational, and behavioural merging

transactive goal dynamics theory

partners form a single, self-regulating unit that involves a complex web of goals and outcomes

- can reach level of success that would have been impossible w/o the other

trajectory

affected by each partner's continually updated perceptions of the couple's interactions & experiences

intersection model of pair-relatedness

partners move through stages of escalated interdependence as they interact

relationship development model

couples move through series of stages when both beginning + ending relationship

social penetration theory

partners develop intimacy as they increase depth + breadth of self-disclosures

interdependent relationship

behaviours affect each other (e.g., peer pods)

personal relationship

special & unique (e.g., mentor, friends)

close relationship

strong & frequent influence (e.g., best friends, family)

intimate relationship

sexual passion (e.g., partner)

need to belong

the human need to form and maintain strong, stable interpersonal relationships

- increased rate of survival + reproductive success

- genes corresponding to social processes were naturally selected

- lack of bonds have significant consequences

- universal human motivation

relationships & well-being

- best predictor of life satisfaction/well-being

- quality is the strongest determinant

- cultural variability on the effects of marriage

relationships & mental health

make up 48% of reasons ppl go to psychotherapy (low quality & loneliness)

relationships & mortality risk

higher risk than many health related behaviours (like smoking and drinking)

- represents literal & scientific need

family matters study

long term bonds (mate retention/family) are more important for human motivation than sexual attraction/mate seeking

those motivated by mate seeking experience...

lower satisfaction and higher depression/anxiety

those motivated by mate retention experience...

higher satisfaction and lower depression/anxiety

relationship processes

may differ based on culture, personality, and context

- operate similarly across ppl, but differently across samples

relationships = WEIRD

western, educated, industrialized, rich, democratic

two meta-analyses on relationship research (WEIRD+)

- 70% north american samples

- underreporting key demographics (esp income + interracial couples)

- inaccurate reporting; being unclear/making assumptions

- 10% of studies focus primarily on underrepresented group

- NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE in two decades

relationship science (1980s) - why is it important

aims to reflect lived experiences to provide helpful/accurate advice

- potential to inform public policy

- bridge gap between scholars and practitioners

- recognizes importance of influence of CONTEXT on behaviour

- shift from study of things to interconnections

relationship science - flaws

criticized for being too INDIVIDUALISTIC (looks at a single individual to explain behaviour)

- relatively young

- must improve reporting practices + sample diversity (mainly WEIRD)

relationship science - difficulties

using findings from lab studies to naturalistic settings

- two factors absent in lab: prospect of future interaction + motivational/affective import

levels of analysis used to guide behaviour

- mesolevel (most used)

- microlevel

- macrolevel

microlevel events

rapidly occurring + invisible to eye

macrolevel events

slowly occurring + at a distance

relationship environment

very important influence on stability

- perceived attractive alternative partners

- degree to which ppl in social env. approve of relationship

- economic strain (= hostility + reduced supportive behaviours)

- job stress (= aggression)

- interactions between couple's vulnerabilities + nature of stressors

neurobiological evidence

suggests catecholamine NTs activate opposing actions in the brain during stressful, emotional events (amygdala ON, prefrontal cortex OFF) + affect memory processes

- quarrelling couples behave w/o full benefit of PFC

- relationship interactions are better remembered