Attraction & Close Relationships

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental concepts in social psychology regarding attraction, belonging, love theories, and close relationships.

Need to Belong

A basic human motive that leads people to seek out and form social relationships.

Need for Affiliation

The desire to establish and maintain many rewarding interpersonal relationships.

Loneliness

A feeling of deprivation about existing social relations, characterized by feeling socially isolated or emotionally disconnected.

Interpersonal Attraction

Positive feelings or attitudes toward another person that draw people together and form the foundation for friendships, romantic relationships, and social bonds.

Proximity

A factor in attraction where people physically closer to us become more familiar.

Familiarity

A factor in attraction where repeated exposure to a person increases comfort.

Similarity

A factor in attraction where people like those who share similar interests, attitudes, or values.

Physical Attractiveness

A factor in attraction where external appearance affects initial first impressions.

Reciprocity

A factor in attraction where individuals tend to like people who show that they like them back.

Matching Hypothesis

The proposition that people are attracted to others who are similar in physical attractiveness.

Hard-to-get Effect

The phenomenon where people may become more attracted to someone who seems selective or less available.

Conspicuous Consumption

Displaying wealth or status to gain attention or admiration in mate selection.

Jealousy

An emotional reaction to a perceived threat to a relationship.

Close Relationships

Relationships between two adults involving emotional attachment, fulfillment of psychological needs, or interdependence.

Exchange Relationships

Relationships in which both participants expect and desire strict reciprocity in their interactions.

Communal Relationships

Relationships in which both participants expect and desire mutual responsiveness to each other's needs.

Social Exchange Theory

A theory proposing that relationships are based on a "cost-benefit" analysis where people weigh rewards against costs to determine satisfaction.

Equity Theory

A theory proposing that relationship satisfaction stems from fairness, where both partners contribute in a balanced manner.

Triangular Theory of Love

A theory proposed by Robert Sternberg (1986) stating that love consists of three main components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Intimacy

A component of love characterized by emotional closeness, trust, and deep connection between partners.

Passion

A component of love characterized by physical attraction, sexual desire, and emotional arousal.

Commitment

A component of love characterized by the decision to love someone and maintain that love over time.

Liking

A type of love according to the Triangular Theory consisting solely of Intimacy.

Infatuation

A type of love according to the Triangular Theory consisting solely of Passion.

Empty Love

A type of love according to the Triangular Theory consisting solely of Commitment.

Romantic Love

A type of love combining Intimacy and Passion.

Companionate Love

A deep, affectionate attachment combining Intimacy and Commitment that grows over time, involving mutual respect, trust, and care.

Fatuous Love

A type of love combining Passion and Commitment.

Consummate Love

A comprehensive form of love combining Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment.

Attachment Style

A concept explaining how early interactions with caregivers shape the way individuals form and maintain romantic relationships as adults.

Secure Attachment Style

An attachment style developing from consistent, loving caregiving, leading individuals to feel worthy of love and trust others easily.

Avoidant Attachment Style

An attachment style developing from emotionally distant caregivers, leading individuals to rely strictly on themselves.

Anxious Attachment Style

An attachment style resulting from inconsistent caregiving that causes anxiety and uncertainty in adult relationships.

Passionate Love (romantic or infatuation love)

Love characterized by intense emotions, physical attraction, and a deep longing for union with another person.

Compassionate Love

This is a deep, affectionate attachment that grows over time. It involves mutual respect, trust, care, and emotional intimacy rather than intense passion.

Self-Disclosure

Revelations about the self made to others, involving sharing personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences.