factors affecting attraction

what is self disclosure?

Learning as much as we can about our new partner in the early days of relationship

The More we learn the more we like them

revealing personal information as the relationship develops more is revealed people are careful at the start of what they were revealed to their partner

what is the social penetration theory?

Self closure = vital in relationship development

To develop attraction it is vital that they both begin to exchange personal information due to self closure being an initial display of trust. As more information is passed between a couple they penetrate deeper into each other’s past life which is a vital basic feature of a romantic relationship.

what is breath and depth of self closure?

alrman and taylor said in 1973 That full attraction to develop and for the relationship to progress the one superficial self disclosure needs to become more serious and personal it has suggested that there are layers to self disclosure and has more important and serious topics to discuss the relationship becomes more committed and serious

what is the Reciprocity of self disclosure

There has to be reciprocity in self disclosure between both partners in the relationship

This is because there has to be a balance of intimate self disclosure or trust will not be established between such well suited individuals

what is physical attraction?

From an evolutionary perspective, there are physical traits that highlight fertility and good genetics for example a symmetrical face

Attraction to baby faces trigger a protective or character instinct which is valuable for females wanting to reproduce

attractiveness is not only important at the start of a relationship. It’s also helps maintain the relationship.

what is the halo effect?

We have preconceived ideas about how those and physical attractiveness tend to be in terms of personality

We linked good physical attractiveness with positive personality types. This is called physical attractiveness stereotype.

dion et al 1972 One factor disproportionately affects another Physically attractive people rated as kind, strong, sociable and successful compared to unattractive people

This belief about these characteristics mean we are even more attracted to them. It becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

what is the matching hypothesis?

waltser 1966

Surprising agreement over what attractive is?

Everybody wants to form a relationship within an attractive person, however not enough hot people to go around

we choose a romantic partner he was roughly of similar attractiveness to our self. We have a realistic judgement of our own value. We compromise.

We value the most attractive for evolutionary social and cultural reasons, but we balance against this where due to fear of rejection

what is the filter theory?

We have a field of available when selecting a partner, all the potential were realistically forming a relationship, not everyone available is desirable and there are three main factors of the actors filters to narrow down our range of partner choice in the field of available

social demographic first filter

Geographical location, social class, education, ethnic group, religion

You are more likely to meet someone who was physically close and shows the same geographical character

Proximity = access accessibility and lower effort

Potential partners are constrained by social circumstances

outcome of this filter = homogamy developing a relationship with someone who was socially or culturally similar

what is similarity and attitude the second filter?

Similarity of attitude is important for the development of relationships, particularly when they are under 18 months

In the early stages of relationship, it is important for partners to agree over basic value

this promotes self disclosure

Similarity attitude = attraction byrne 1997

what is Complimentarity The third filter

The ability of romantic partners to meet each other others needs

Two partners compliment each other when they have traits the other lacks

This is important for long-term relationships