Social Psych Chapter 10: Relationships:

What is the propinquity effect?

• Tend to become attracted to those we see & interact with regularly

• Single best predictor of relationship formation

• MIT Housing Study: Nearby residents more likely to become friends

• Functional distance = how often people cross paths

What is the mere exposure effect?

• Repeated exposure → increased liking

• Even if exposure is unconscious

• Only works if initially like or feel neutral about target

• Moreland & Beach: More class appearances → higher attractiveness ratings

What physical characteristics predict attractiveness?

• Symmetrical faces: Preferred; possible evolutionary signal of health/fitness

• Averaged faces: Composite faces rated as more attractive

• Physical attractiveness influences initial attraction

What is the halo effect?

• Attributing "good stuff" to attractive people

• "What is beautiful is good" stereotype

• SFP: Treat attractive people warmly → they respond more positively, confirming expectations

What predicts attraction: similarity or complementarity?

• Similarity: "Birds of a feather" → stronger predictor

• Complementarity: "Opposites attract" → less supported

• Newcomb (1961): Similar roommates more likely to become friends

• Matching hypothesis: Similar physical attractiveness

What is reciprocal liking?

• We like people who like us

• Explains why flattery works

• Can create a self-fulfilling prophecy (SFP)

Why can playing hard-to-get increase attraction?

• Scarcity: Scarce = valuable

• Reactance: Forbidden = desirable

• Only works if selective generally but interested in YOU

• Appearing uninterested in you can backfire

How do Big Five traits affect friendship selection?

• High extraversion: Initiate encounters; good first impressions

• High agreeableness: Well-liked; frequently selected as friends

• High neuroticism: May anticipate not being liked; no clear effect on selection

• Conscientiousness/openness: No known effect on selection

How do Big Five traits affect relationship quality?

• Agreeableness: Higher relationship quality; productive conflict style (actor & partner)

• Neuroticism: Lower quality; more conflict (actor & partner)

• Extraversion/conscientiousness: Positive actor effects

• Openness: Less conflict; productive conflict style (actor)

What is Social Exchange Theory (SET)?

• "Exchange" = costs & benefits

• Relationship satisfaction depends on rewards, costs, and comparison level

• Satisfaction → Commitment → Relationship Stability

• SUBJECTIVE!

What are rewards and costs in a relationship?

• Rewards: Character strengths, expanded social circle, support, companionship

• Costs: Problematic traits, social circle, time & attention

• Outcome = Benefits − Costs

What is comparison level, and how does it affect satisfaction?

• Expectations based on past relationships, close others, social/cultural ideals

• "Do I deserve better?"

• Benefits − Costs − Comparison Level = SATISFACTION

How do alternatives and investment affect commitment?

• Alternatives: Perceptions of viable alternatives ("other fish in the sea")

• More alternatives → LOWER commitment

• Investment: Time, money, kids, emotional resources

• More investment → HIGHER commitment

What predicts commitment and relationship stability?

• Higher satisfaction → higher commitment (+)

• Higher investment → higher commitment (+)

• Better alternatives → lower commitment (−)

• Higher commitment → greater stability

• Satisfaction ≠ Stability

Why might someone stay in an unsatisfying relationship?

• High investment

• Few viable alternatives

• Commitment can remain high despite low satisfaction

• Relationship satisfaction does NOT equal relationship stability

What is the difference between exchange and communal relationships?

• Exchange: "Equity NOW!" Acquaintances; quick reciprocity; keep track of contributions

• Communal: "Equity over time." Close partners; strict reciprocity not desired; no keeping tabs

How do the 36 Questions increase closeness?

• Mutual self-disclosure

• Take turns answering increasingly personal questions

• Reciprocal sharing → increased closeness

• Can help strangers develop intimacy