Interpersonal Attraction Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to interpersonal attraction, including psychological needs, theories of attraction, and cultural influences.

Need to Belong

The inherent psychological need for connection and acceptance within social groups.

Propinquity Effect

The principle that physical closeness increases relationship development.

Mere Exposure Effect

The phenomenon where increased familiarity with a stimulus leads to greater comfort and attraction.

Reward Model of Liking

A theory positing that people are drawn to those associated with positive stimuli and repelled by those associated with negative stimuli.

Transference

The tendency to transfer feelings or attitudes from one person to another based on similarities.

Attraction to Similarity

The concept that perceived similarity, especially in attitudes, significantly increases attraction.

Existential Isolation

The feeling of being alone in one's inner experiences and not having others understand them.

Norm of Reciprocity

The social rule that suggests people tend to like those who show that they like them.

Flattery

Compliments that can increase attraction, especially if perceived as genuine.

Physical Attractiveness

The degree to which a person's physical features are considered aesthetically pleasing.

Halo Effect

The tendency to assume that a person with one positive attribute also possesses other positive traits.

Averageness in Attractiveness

The phenomenon where averaged faces from photos are often rated as more attractive, suggesting health and reproductive viability.

Social Media Effects

The influence of digital media on perceptions of attractiveness and interpersonal relationships.

Cultural Norms

Societal rules that dictate acceptable behaviors and attitudes towards sexuality and relationships.

Gender Differences in Infidelity

Variations in reactions to infidelity based on gender, with men focusing more on sexual aspects and women on emotional aspects.

Motives for Sex

Reasons individuals engage in sexual activity, including pleasure, intimacy, and self-worth affirmation.

Online Dating

The practice of seeking romantic partners through internet-based platforms and apps.

Rejection Sensitivity

A predisposition to behave anxiously in social situations and respond defensively to perceived rejection.

Similarity-Attraction Hypothesis

The theory that people are attracted to those whose attitudes, values, and interests align with their own.

Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model

A theory suggesting that individuals feel pride in their partner’s successes if they excel in different domains.

Culturally Valued Attributes

Personality traits that are esteemed in a society, which often result in increased attraction.

Psychological Need

An internal requirement for certain social and psychological conditions necessary for well-being.

Dating Apps

Mobile applications designed to facilitate romantic relationships through user profiles and swiping mechanics.

Infidelity

The act of being unfaithful to a romantic partner, often eliciting strong emotional responses.

Social Influence

The effect people have on the beliefs and behaviors of others in their social networks.

Physical Appearance

An individual's outward look, which can significantly impact social interactions and relationships.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Compatibility

The ability of individuals to coexist peacefully and harmoniously in a relationship.

Coping with Loneliness

Strategies individuals employ to deal with the emotional pain of social isolation.

Psychological Well-Being

A state of mental health that includes happiness, life satisfaction, and fulfillment.

Social Validation

The process of seeking confirmation of one's own feelings and beliefs through social connections.

Attachment Styles

The patterns of attachment behaviors that influence how individuals relate to others in romantic relationships.

Judgment of Attractiveness

The evaluation of physical appeal, often influenced by societal standards and personal preferences.

Cultural Scripts

Expectations about how individuals should behave in specific social situations, often influenced by cultural context.

Novelty in Relationships

The excitement brought about by unexpected differences that can enhance attraction.

Visual Perception

The interpretation of visual stimuli, particularly in social contexts like attraction.

Positive Reinforcement

Encouraging a behavior by providing a favorable outcome, often relevant in social relationships.

Self-Enhancement

The practice of presenting oneself in an overly favorable manner to others.

Relationship Satisfaction

The degree to which individuals feel content and fulfilled in their romantic connections.

Body Dysmorphia

A mental health condition where a person obsesses over perceived flaws in their physical appearance.

Double Standards

Differential treatment or judgment applied to similar situations based on gender.

Crisis in Relationships

Periods of intense difficulty that can threaten the stability of a romantic partnership.

Appraisal of Attractiveness

Assessment of one's own physical or social appeal based on external feedback or internal standards.

Self-Esteem

The regard or respect one has for oneself, which can impact relationship dynamics.

Mating Preferences

The criteria individuals look for when choosing romantic partners, often influenced by various factors.

Concept of Compatibility

The idea that successful relationships arise from shared values and mutual respect.

Cultural Influences on Dating

The impact of societal norms and values on how individuals approach romantic relationships.

Sociability

The tendency to engage and interact positively with others in social situations.