[Social] Test 3 Study Guide (4/1/26)

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the significance of bonds between individuals.

Infant Attachment

The emotional bond formed between an infant and their primary caregiver, which influences the child's future relationships and psychological well-being.

Secure Base

A concept in attachment theory where a primary attachment figure provides safety and comfort, allowing an individual to explore their environment.

Harry Harlow's Study

A series of experiments in the 1960s using rhesus monkeys to demonstrate the importance of comfort and affection over mere biological needs, showcasing the preference for a soft, terry cloth mother over a wire one.

Attachment Behaviors

Actions exhibited by individuals, especially infants, to gain emotional closeness and support from an attachment figure, including crying and seeking proximity.

Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation

A structured observational study designed to assess the nature of attachment between infants and their primary caregivers, categorizing attachment styles based on reactions to separation and reunion.

Secure Attachment

A style where infants are upset when their caregiver leaves but are able to be comforted and happy upon their return, linked to consistent and responsive parenting.

Avoidant Attachment

A pattern where infants seem indifferent to caregiver separation and return, indicating a lack of reliance on attachments, often due to neglectful parenting.

Anxious-Resistant Attachment

A style where infants exhibit extreme distress when separated from caregivers and have difficulty being comforted upon their return, linked to inconsistent caregiving.

Evolutionary Roots of Attachment

The idea that the need for close relationships has deep evolutionary significance, promoting survival and social connectivity.

Attachment in Adulthood

The continuation of attachment patterns into adult relationships, impacting romantic connections and interpersonal dynamics.

Parental Styles

Different approaches to parenting that can influence a child's attachment style, including responsiveness and availability to the child.

Genetic Component of Attachment

The idea that attachment styles are not solely determined by parenting but also influenced by innate personality traits and genetics.

Influence of Relationships on Attachment

The dynamic where individuals can become more secure or insecure in their attachment styles based on their relationship experiences.

Supportive Relationships

Connections with individuals who provide reliable emotional support that can foster more secure attachment styles.

Internal Family Systems

A therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to care for and nurture different aspects of themselves, promoting self-compassion and improving attachment security.

Community and Religious Support

The benefits derived from belonging to supportive groups, whether religious or community-based, which can enhance feelings of security and attachment.

Interpersonal Relationship

A close association or bond between two or more people.

Well-Being

A state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

Need to Belong

The inherent desire to form social attachments and connections.

Isolation

The state of being separated from others; lack of social interaction.

Subjective Well-Being

How individuals evaluate their own lives, comprising life satisfaction and emotional reactions.

Objective Variables

Factual data that can be measured or verified, such as marital status or number of friends.

Subjective Variables

Personal interpretations or feelings about relationships or experiences.

Quality of Relationships

The degree of satisfaction, support, and trust felt in a relationship.

Quantity of Relationships

The number of relationships a person has, regardless of the quality.

Satisfaction in Relationships

The level of contentment and happiness derived from interpersonal connections.

Investment Model

A theory predicting that people are more likely to stay in relationships where they feel satisfied and perceive high costs for leaving.

Ostracism

The act of excluding or rejecting an individual from a social group.

Solitary Confinement

A form of imprisonment where an inmate is isolated from others, often leading to severe psychological effects.

Flow State

A state of complete immersion and engagement in an activity, often leading to high satisfaction.

Cyberball

An experimental game used to study ostracism, where participants are excluded from ball-tossing.

Resilience in Social Networks

The ability of social connections to provide support and withstand stress in difficult times.

Perceived Social Support

The belief that one has people to rely on for support in times of need.

Mere Exposure Effect

The phenomenon where individuals develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them.

Reciprocity in Relationships

The mutual exchange of feelings or actions, where if one person is kind or nice to you, you are likely to respond in kind.

Types of Love

Different dimensions of love that include intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Similarity in Friendships

The tendency to form relationships with people who share similar characteristics, beliefs, or interests.

Novelty in Relationships

The idea that new experiences in relationships can lead to increased excitement and satisfaction.

Halo Effect

The cognitive bias where our perception of one positive trait influences our perception of other traits.

Social Media's Impact on Relationships

The effect that social media has on the quality and nature of relationships, including increased long-distance interactions.

Workplace Friendships

Friendships that develop within a work environment, which can enhance job satisfaction and well-being.

The Triangle Model of Love

A model that categorizes love into three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Criticism

Attacks the character of the recipient instead of focusing on a specific behavior.

Contempt

An expression of superiority that includes sarcasm, cynicism, name calling, eye rolling, sneering, mockery, and hostile humor; the greatest predictor of relationship failure.

Defensiveness

Self protection through righteous indignation or playing the victim; a way of blaming the partner without taking responsibility.

Stonewalling

Occurs when the listener withdraws from the conversation without resolving anything.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Negative communication patterns identified by Dr. John Gottman that predict relationship failure: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

Antidote to Criticism

Talk about your feelings using 'I' statements to express a positive need.

Antidote to Contempt

Treat one another with respect and build a culture of appreciation.

Antidote to Defensiveness

Accept responsibility even if only for part of the conflict.

Antidote to Stonewalling

Take a break for at least twenty minutes, calm down, and then return to the conversation.

Positive Relationship Deposits

The idea that positive interactions in relationships act like deposits in a bank account, needing to outweigh negative interactions.

John Gottman's Research

Studies show that happy, stable couples have a higher ratio of positive to negative interactions, ideally 5 to 1 or 20 to 1.

Acts of Service

One of the 'love languages'; refers to completing tasks or duties that are helpful.

Quality Time

Spending meaningful time together to enhance relationships, often involving authentic conversations.

Active Constructive Responding

A positive way of responding to someone's good news that shows interest and excitement.

Forgiveness

The process of letting go of resentment or anger towards someone who has hurt you, involving emotional understanding.

Oxytocin

A neuropeptide associated with bonding, childbirth, and lactation; promotes emotional connection.

Vasopressin

A hormone involved in fluid retention and aggression; linked to male behaviors and pair bonding.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the brain that impact neural signals and behaviors.

Endorphins

Chemicals produced in the body that act as natural painkillers and contribute to feelings of pleasure.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medications used to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels.

Epigenetics

The study of how behavior or environmental factors affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Pair bonding

A close relationship between two individuals characterized by mutual attraction and support.

Methylation

The process by which methyl groups attach to DNA, affecting gene expression without changing the DNA.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter linked to motivation, pleasure, and addiction; plays a role in love and bonding.

Chemical signals

Molecules that transmit information in the body, such as hormones and neurotransmitters.