human relationships/attraction - theory

biological explanations for attraction

Neurotransmitters vs hormones

-          BIG assumption – chemical messengers are released when we “act on” attraction to reward us to form relationships

NEUROTRANSMITTER – DOPAMINE, is fast acting, in synapses. YOU FOCUS ON THE ATTRACTIVE PERSON then – neurons release dopamine (and noradrenaline, and lower serotonin levels). CREATES mood instability, physical arousal and the desire to continue the focus. Also known as the ‘love cocktail.’ MORE focus on person, MORE likelihood of mating

HORMONES – OXYTOCIN, slow acting, in the bloodstream. RELEASED intimate and close relationship/bonding INTO THE BLOODSTREAM. This CREATES attachment, safety and fidelity. STAY in relationships (monogamous) to nurture offspring.

 

Evolutionary explanations

BIG ASSUMPTION – attraction is a biological hardwiring -> from genes because it promotes reproduction. BUT what determines who we are attracted to?

IT IS DRIBEN BY THOSE THAT INCREASE REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS = SEXUAL SELECTION

-          Immune compatibility/different MHC complexes

-          Women – financial security

cognitive explanations for attraction

Attachment styles and the relation to attraction:

Attachment style (basically schemas) – schemas about what to expect from loved ones (early caregivers) which influences relationships later in life (adult relationships).

 

4 different styles

-          Secures – safety is love, intimacy is cherished “ideal partner)

-          Anxious – chemistry = love, intimacy is needed, attracted to avoidants

-          Avoidants – independence = love, intimacy is scary

-          Disorganised – confusion is love, inconsistent desire, volatile

 

Other cognitive explanations – dual processing model (system 1 vs system 2)

SYSTEM 2: similarity attraction – we actively seek partners who share interests with us. EVIDENT in online dating. = COMPATABILITY, communication and increased self-esteem

SYSTEM 1: halo effect – the tendency for an impression created in one area to influence opinion in another area

-          Heuristic/shortcut – evaluating a person, including them as a partner off one trait – DATING = physical attractiveness.

 

sociocultural explanations for attraction

Social influences on attraction IS

The Mere-Exposure Effect – psychological phenomenon by which people tend to develop a preference for things because it’s familiar.

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Similarity – sharing similar characteristics = in-group favouritism (increase self-esteem)

= ATTRACTION – we form relationships with those in our wider social group.

CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON ATTRACTION:

-          “Passionate love” as the number one criterion is a very western concept – AND research suggests that it is not the only model for a happy relationship

Cultural norms – sets of societal expectations that influence behaviour re is “attractive”

-          Physical traits, influenced by media and often very culture specific

-          Traits are valuable is influenced by cultural norms

communication in relationships

the end of relationships