AQA A LEVEL Psychology - Relationships - Key Terms

This set of flashcards encompasses key terms and concepts from the AQA A Level Psychology topic on Relationships, helping students to understand and remember important definitions and theories.

Evolutionary Approach

Explains human behavior in terms of adaptiveness and reproductive success.

Sexual Selection

A process where certain traits increase an individual's chances of attracting mates and reproducing.

Anisogamy

Differences between male and female sex cells; males produce large quantities of sperm, while females produce fewer eggs.

Inter-Sexual Selection

Female choice in mate selection, where females prefer partners who provide resources and good genetic traits.

Intra-Sexual Selection

Male competition for access to female mates, leading to traits that enhance chances of winning battles for mates.

Self-Disclosure

The act of revealing personal information to another person, crucial for building intimacy in relationships.

Social Penetration Theory

A theory suggesting that intimacy develops through the gradual exchange of information, moving from superficial to deeper disclosures.

Matching Hypothesis

The idea that people choose partners who are similar in physical attractiveness, to avoid rejection.

Social Exchange Theory

A theory proposing that relationships are maintained based on perceived rewards and costs.

Equity Theory

The theory that individuals seek fairness in relationships, feeling satisfied when the ratio of contributions and benefits is the same for both partners.

Investment Model

A model that emphasizes commitment in relationships based on satisfaction, comparison with alternatives, and the size of investments in the relationship.

Duck's Phase Model

A model of relationship breakdown consisting of four stages: intra-psychic, dyadic, social, and grave-dressing.

Parasocial Relationships

One-sided relationships where a fan feels a strong connection to a celebrity or fictional character, despite the lack of reciprocity.

Absorption-Addiction Model

A model explaining parasocial relationships where individuals become absorbed in celebs to compensate for deficiencies in their life.

Attachment Theory Explanation (of Parasocial Relationships)

The view that individuals who had poor early attachments may develop parasocial relationships as substitutes.