Topic 5 - interpersonal relationships

Why are relationships important

• need for human affiliation

• Social support and wellbeing

• Social comparison

• Effects of social exclusion

• Learning and development

Physical appearance influence

• more attractive people are more successful in job interview (Huang & Lin 2016)

Instrumental support

• practical assistance

Physical appearance influence

• more attractive people are more successful in job interview (Huang & Lin 2016)

Matching phenomenon

• choosing partners similar to us (Bershceid 1971)

Proximity influence

• the closer we physically we are to someone the more we like them (Back et al 2008)

Closing time effect

• attractiveness increased closer to closing time in a bar (Pennebaker 1979)

Familiarity influence

• Repeated exposure effect

• new student was rated more attractive the more they saw them (Moreland 1992)

Arousal attraction effect

• Misattribution of arousal

• Men who crossed shaky bridge described researcher more sexual (Dutton, Aron 1974)

Similarity influence

• Similarity of attitudes

• married couples are more similar ( Galton 1870/1952)

Mutual liking

• we like people who like us (Gold et al 1984)

Social exchange theory

• interpersonal resources may be exchanged

• Gain rewards and avoid costs

Equity theory

• cost reward pay off needs to same for both parties

Evolutionary approaches

• survival and reproduction are key drivers of relationships

• Select partners who enhance reproductive success

Cognitive behavioural approach

• balance theory - sharing similar attitudes reaches balance

• CBT - evaluate maladaptive thinking

Societal structures of mind

• people learn what is acceptable to give/ take in relationships through socialisation

Attachment theory

• child - caregiver bond serves as basic for future relationships

Passionate love scale - Hatfield 1986

• 3 facets of love:

• Cognitive components (intrusive thinking)

• Emotional components (attraction)

• Behavioural components (determine others)

Love attitudes scale

• Eros - passionate

• Storge- friendship

• Ludus- game playing

• Mania- possessive

• Pragma- logical

• Agape - selfless

ESLMPA

PFGPLS

Triangular theory

• intimacy - passion = romantic

• Intimacy - commitment = companionate

• Commitment - passion = fatuous

• All 3 = consumunate love

• Intimacy alone = liking

• Commitment alone = empty

• Passion alone = infatuation