Attraction and Love

4 Major Influences of Relationship Formation

1. Proximity

2. Similarity

3. Reciprocity

4. Level of Physical Attraction

Proximity

Physical closeness influencing relationship formation

Similarity

Tendency to be friends or date someone similar to oneself

Reciprocity

Expectation of equity and fairness in relationships

Level of physical attraction

Heterosexual males place more emphasis on looks and younger mates

Evolutionary Theory of Love

Parental investment influences mate selection

• Males have a lower parental investment (males can spread millions of sperm)

• Females have to be more pickier with whom they have sex with (females have one egg)

Social Role Theory of Love

Societal roles influence relationship dynamics

• i.e. Men who don’t bare children are more likely to have more opportunities to pursue high-status positions.

Gender Roles of Love

Accepted attitudes and behaviours for males and females

• i.e. More acceptable for men to have more sexual partners

Evolutionary Theory of Physical Attraction

Average faces may indicate lack of genetic mutations or diseases

Hatfield And Rapson’s Theory of Love

Love consists of passionate and compassionate love

Passionate Love

Love marked by powerful, overhwleming, and longing for ones partner

Compassionate Love

Love marked by a sense of deep friendship and fondness for ones partner

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

There are three components of love

Three components of love

1. Intimacy

2. Commitment

3. Passion

Consummate Love

Perfect balance of intimacy, commitment, and passion