relationships definitions

Absence of Gating

Refers to the anonymity in virtual relationships where physical features are not considered and potential barriers to forming connections are removed.

Absorption Addiction Model

Proposed by McCutcheon et al. (2002), it suggests that people pursue parasocial relationships to cope with deficits in their real lives.

Attachment Theory in Parasocial Relationships

Suggests individuals with insecure attachment styles are more likely to engage in parasocial relationships.

Comparison with Alternatives

Part of Rusbult's investment model; suggests individuals may end a relationship if a more attractive alternative is available.

Complementarity

Refers to how well two individuals fit together in a relationship, fulfilling each other's needs.

Duck's Phase Model

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

Dyadic Phase

The second phase in Duck's model where an individual confronts their partner about dissatisfaction.

Equity Theory

Proposed by Hatfield et al., it suggests satisfaction in relationships comes from equal benefits and costs.

Evolutionary Explanations: Partner Preferences

Focuses on sexual selection as the driving force behind human reproductive behavior.

Filter Theory

Proposed by Kerckhoff and Davies, it explains how people apply filters to narrow down potential romantic partners.

Gating

In face-to-face relationships, refers to physical features that influence partner selection, absent in virtual relationships.

Grave-Dressing Phase

The final phase in Duck's model where one justifies the end of the relationship to present themselves positively.

Human Reproductive Behaviour

Behaviors aimed at increasing reproductive success, including competition and mate selection.

Intra-Psychic Phase

The first phase in Duck's model where a person becomes dissatisfied but does not communicate these feelings.

Investment

Anything put into a relationship that would be lost if the relationship were to end.

Levels of Parasocial Relationships

Identified by Giles and Maltby (2006), these levels are entertainment-social, intense-personal, and borderline-pathological.

Matching Hypothesis

Theory suggesting that relationships form between people who are similar in social desirability, especially physical attraction.

Parasocial Relationships

One-sided relationships where an individual knows much about a celebrity who is unaware of their existence.

Physical Attractiveness

A key factor influencing attraction, often valued more by men as it is linked to fertility.

Rusbult's Investment Model of Commitment

A theory explaining relationship persistence based on satisfaction, investment, comparison to alternatives, and commitment.

Satisfaction

The positive versus negative emotions experienced in a relationship, part of Rusbult's model.

Self-Disclosure

Sharing personal information in relationships, leading to greater intimacy and attraction.

Sexual Selection

A type of natural selection where mate competition and preference drive reproductive success.

Similarity in Attitudes

A factor in attraction; shared views facilitate communication and relationship stability.

Social Demography

First filter in filter theory referring to age, social background, and proximity influencing relationship formation.

Social Exchange Theory

Theory proposing that relationships are based on minimizing costs and maximizing rewards.

Social Phase

The third phase in Duck's model where dissatisfaction becomes public, involving family and friends.

Virtual Relationships

Relationships that exist through online communication, not involving physical presence.