Midterm 1 FMST 314

Conceptualize relationships

Involves understanding their fundamental nature, such as their development, maintenance, and termination.

Operationalize relationships

Defining and measuring the components that constitute a relationship, such as emotional intimacy, trust, and commitment.

Explain the seven dimensions of intimacy

1. Knowledge

2. Caring

3. Interdependence

4. Trust

5. Responsiveness

6. Mutuality

7. Commitment

Knowledge

possess extensive personal info about each other

knowing preferences, desires & thoughts, past experiences

shared between people or one-sided

Caring

two people care about one another and feel more affection toward each other than for other people

Interdependence

the extent to which people need and influence each other

Trust

the expectation of being treated fairly and not to be harmed

Responsiveness

recognizing, supporting, and reacting to another's needs

Mutuality

recognizing their close connection and thinking of themselves as a partnership instead of individuals

Discuss humans' need for belonging

Humans have an evolutionary drive to develop and maintain close relationships. Belonging to social groups and having meaningful connections with others contribute to overall happiness and well-being. Typically, individuals only need a few close relationships to fulfill this need for belonging.

List major influences that impact relationships

1. Culture

2. Experience

3. Individual differences

4. Human nature

5. Interactions

How does CULTURE impact relationships?

Cultural norms and values shape how relationships are perceived and conducted

How does EXPERIENCE impact relationships?

Personal experiences, especially in early life, can impact one's ability to form and maintain relationships.

How does INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES impact relationships?

Variations in personality, communication styles, and attachment patterns influence relationships.

How does HUMAN NATURE impact relationships?

Innate human tendencies and instincts, such as the need for companionship, influence relationship behaviors.

How does INTERACTIONS impact relationships?

How individuals interact with each other, including communication and conflict resolution skills, affects relationship dynamics.

What are the dimensions underlying attachment?

1. Secure

2. Anxious-ambivalent

3. Avoidant

Secure Attachment Style

Comfortable with intimacy and independence, able to form healthy relationships.

Anxious-Ambivalent Attachment Style

Fearful of rejection, seek constant reassurance, and may be overly dependent on others.

Avoidant Attachment Style

Fearful of intimacy, often maintaining emotional distance in relationships.

Describe how life experiences influence attachment styles.

​​Life experiences, especially early relationships and interactions with caregivers, significantly influence attachment styles. Positive and nurturing experiences can lead to secure attachments, whereas inconsistent or negative experiences can result in anxious-ambivalent or avoidant attachment styles. Later experiences, including romantic relationships and friendships, also contribute to shaping and modifying attachment patterns throughout life.

Define direct rewards

These are immediate and tangible benefits or pleasures that a person experiences as a result of an action or interaction. In the context of relationships, direct rewards could be emotional support, companionship, or physical affection.

Define indirect rewards

These are rewards that may not be immediately apparent but contribute to overall well-being or fulfillment in the long term. In relationships, indirect rewards could include personal growth, shared goals, or financial stability.

Define instrumentality

the concept that attraction is based on someone helping us meet our goals. In the context of relationships, it means being attracted to someone because they offer the potential to fulfill our needs or desires.

Define proximity

physical closeness between individuals. It is a significant factor in relationship formation, as people are more likely to form relationships with those who are geographically close to them, such as neighbors, classmates, or coworkers.

mere exposure

people tend to develop a preference for things, including potential romantic partners, merely because they are familiar with them. The more individuals are exposed to someone, the more they tend to like that person, assuming initial encounters are positive.

waist-to-hip ratio

the proportion of the circumference of a person's waist to the circumference of their hips. In the context of intimate relationships, some research suggests that certain waist-to-hip ratios are considered attractive, and individuals with specific ratios might be perceived as more desirable mating partners.

matching

people tend to choose partners whose social desirability approximately equals their own. In other words, individuals are more likely to form and maintain romantic relationships with someone who is similar in physical attractiveness, intelligence, and other important traits.

mate value

an individual's overall desirability as a romantic partner. It encompasses various traits, such as physical attractiveness, intelligence, social skills, and resources, that influence a person's attractiveness to potential mates.

Explain how attraction is influenced by proximity

Physical closeness increases the likelihood of interaction, allowing people to become familiar with each other. Proximity leads to more frequent encounters, fostering relationships due to increased familiarity.

Explain how attraction is influenced by familiarity

Seeing someone frequently, a result of proximity, makes them more familiar and therefore more likable. Familiarity often leads to increased comfort and attraction.

Explain how attraction is influenced by convenience

Being close to someone is rewarding because it simplifies interactions. Convenience reduces effort and stress associated with meeting someone, making the relationship more appealing.

Describe why we like people who are like us;

-People tend to be attracted to those who are similar to them due to shared attitudes, values, and personalities.

-Similarity creates a sense of understanding and validation, leading to increased comfort and rapport.

-Shared characteristics reduce conflicts and make communication smoother, enhancing the overall quality of the relationship.

Explain how being selective impacts potential relationships;

- Being selective involves choosing potential partners based on various criteria such as attractiveness, compatibility, and the likelihood of acceptance.

- Selectivity is essential for finding a compatible and fulfilling relationship, as it helps individuals invest their time and emotions in partners who align with their preferences and goals.

- Being selective increases the chances of forming meaningful and lasting relationships, as individuals are more likely to invest in partners who meet their criteria for an ideal relationship.

Discuss how similarities between partners changes over time

- Initially, perceived similarities heavily influence the formation of relationships. People are drawn to others who they believe are similar to them in attitudes and values.

- Over time, as relationships develop and partners get to know each other better, real similarities become more apparent and significant. As couples share experiences and perspectives, their attitudes and values may align more closely.

- While some initial perceptions of similarity might be inaccurate, genuine shared experiences often lead to increased similarities between partners as the relationship progresses.

stimulus-value-role theory

a three-stage theory of romantic development proposed by Bernard Murstein:

1. ​​Stimulus

2. Value

3. Role

Stimulus Stage

Attraction is initially based on physical appearance, age, and other observable attributes. People are attracted to each other based on these stimuli.

Value Stage

Attraction depends on similarity in attitudes and beliefs. As individuals get to know each other, they are attracted to those who share similar values, goals, and beliefs.

Role Compatibility Stage

Compatibility becomes important as partners determine if they feel similar about important aspects of life, such as family, career, and lifestyle choices. This stage is crucial for long-term relationship satisfaction.

fatal attractions

the qualities that initially attract partners to each other eventually become the sources of conflict or dissatisfaction in the relationship. For example, a partner's confidence might be attractive initially but could turn into arrogance, leading to relationship issues.

complementarity

the idea that partners with different qualities or traits can balance each other out. For instance, one partner might be extroverted while the other is introverted, creating a complementary dynamic where they fulfill each other's social needs.

Explain how first impressions impact interactions and relationships;

*Change

First impressions are formed within milliseconds and can significantly impact interactions and relationships.

Lasting Impact: First impressions create a lasting impact on how we perceive others, affecting our attitudes and behaviors towards them.

Influence on Interactions: First impressions can shape the tone of initial interactions, influencing whether the relationship develops positively or negatively.

Factors: First impressions can be influenced by stereotypes, confirmation bias, and overconfidence, affecting how we perceive and interact with others.

Discuss the influence of perception;

*Change

Idealization: People often emphasize positive qualities and downplay negatives, creating positive illusions about others.

Attributions: We create explanations for events, attributing them to internal/external, stable/unstable, and controllable/uncontrollable factors, shaping our perceptions of situations and people.

Memories: Current perceptions are influenced by reconstructive memory, where memories are altered based on new information, impacting how we remember past interactions and relationships.

Describe four ways we engage in perception management;

1. Self-Promotion: Presenting ourselves positively to others, highlighting our strengths and achievements.

2. Ingratiation: Using flattery and charm to make others like us and gain their approval.

3. Intimidation: Projecting power or competence to influence others' perceptions and behavior.

4. Weaponized Incompetence: Purposely appearing less capable to manipulate others' expectations and gain advantage.

Explain how self-monitoring impacts our interactions

Adjusting behavior to match the social situation, often involving impression management.

Explain how LOW self-monitoring impacts our interactions

Individuals are less concerned with social cues and may behave more authentically, regardless of the situation.

Explain how HIGH self-monitoring impacts our interactions

Individuals are highly attuned to social cues and adjust their behavior strategically to fit different contexts, potentially leading to more adaptable social interactions.

Discuss how accurate our perceptions of our partners are.

*Change

Motivation: Our desire for positive self-esteem and self-concept can influence how we perceive our partners.

Readability: Our ability to accurately judge someone else's intentions, thoughts, and emotions can impact our perceptions.

Purposeful Inaccurate Perceptions: People might purposefully shape their partner's behavior by having inaccurate perceptions, leading to behaviors that align with those perceptions.

Mutual Influence: Partners continually shape each other's behavior and perceptions, leading to dynamic changes in how they see each other over time.

Explain how communication begins;

​​Communication begins when a sender encodes a message and sends it through a channel (verbal, nonverbal, written, etc.) to a receiver.

The receiver decodes the message, interpreting its meaning based on their understanding and context.

The interpersonal gap occurs when the sender's intentions differ from the effect on the receiver, highlighting the complexity of communication.

Discuss the five functions of nonverbal communication

1. Providing Information

2. Regulating Interactions

3. Defining the Nature of the Relationship

4. Interpersonal influence

5. Impression management

Regulating Interactions

Nonverbal behaviour provides cues that regulate the efficient give-andtake of smooth conversations and other interactions

e.g. A woman starts looking steadily at her partner as the tone of her voice drops on her last word, and he starts speaking because he knows she’s finished

Defining the Nature of the Relationship

Nonverbal behaviour that shows the type of partnership two people share

e.g. Lovers stand closer to each other, touch more, and look at each other more than less intimate partners do

Impression Management

Nonverbal behavior that is managed by a person or a couple to create or enhance a particular image

e.g. A couple may quarrel on the way to a party but then hold hands and pretend to be happy with each other once they arrive

Describe components of nonverbal communication

Facial Expressions, Eyes, Body Movement, Touch, Interpersonal Distance, Smell, Paralanguage: These components encompass facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, touch, personal space, scent, and tone of voice, respectively.

Combinations: Nonverbal components are used in various combinations to tailor behavior and establish specific levels of intimacy during interactions.

Define 'self-disclosure'

revealing personal information to someone, including thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Discuss the importance of self-disclosure in relationships

integral for intimacy, as it builds trust, fosters emotional connection, and deepens understanding between individuals. It helps relationships progress by increasing both breadth (range of topics) and depth (intimacy of topics) of communication.

Explain common communication challenges; and

Differences in Verbal Communication: Varied topics, styles, levels of self-disclosure, and communication styles can lead to misunderstandings.

Types of Dysfunctional Communication: Problems like kitchen-sinking, mind-reading, criticism, and defensiveness hinder effective communication, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings.

Explore ways to improve communication.

Use I-Statements: Express feelings and thoughts using "I" to avoid sounding accusatory.

Active Listening: Paraphrase what you've heard to demonstrate understanding and validate the speaker's feelings.

Validation: Acknowledge and respect others' opinions, even if you disagree.

Identify Things Clearly: Clearly and concretely express thoughts and concerns.

Remain Calm: Stay composed during discussions to facilitate a productive atmosphere.

Perception Checking: Confirm your understanding by asking for clarification if something is ambiguous.

XYZ Statements: Express your feelings by saying, "When you do X in situation Y, I feel Z."

Asking for Clarification: Seek clarification if something is unclear or ambiguous in the conversation.

Define interdependence

refers to the mutual reliance and influence between individuals. It involves a reciprocal relationship where the actions and outcomes of one person affect the other.

Define rewards

the gratifying experiences and benefits individuals receive from their relationships, both in terms of impersonal benefits (material or external gains) and personal intimacies (emotional and social connections).

Define costs

the undesirable or punishing experiences individuals endure, which might include emotional distress, time investment, or sacrifices.

Explain comparison levels

CL represents the value of the outcomes that individuals expect and believe they deserve in their current relationship. It influences how individuals evaluate the outcomes and satisfaction derived from their current relationship.

Explain comparison level for alternatives

CLalt is the threshold used to evaluate whether the current relationship is satisfactory or if there are better alternatives available. It considers the potential outcomes in alternative relationships.

Describe the impact of rewards in relationships

contribute positively to relationship satisfaction and well-being. They are pursued to enhance the relationship and create a sense of fulfillment.

Describe the impact of costs in relationships

can lead to dissatisfaction and can motivate individuals to seek ways to minimize or avoid them. Avoidance of costs is an essential aspect of relationship maintenance.

Define avoidance motivation

the desire to escape punishment or negative experiences in relationships. Individuals try to minimize disagreements, emotional pain, or stressful situations with one's partner to maintain relationship satisfaction

Discuss relationship turbulence;

occurs when individuals, especially during transitional phases, experience uncertainty and disruption in their relationship routines. Adjusting to new levels of interdependence or significant life changes can lead to a temporary decrease in relationship satisfaction.

Explain equity in relationships

fairness and balance in the exchange of benefits and costs. In equitable relationships, each partner's contributions and rewards are proportional, leading to satisfaction for both parties. Equitable relationships are typically more satisfying because they ensure fairness and mutual respect.

Discuss commitment

signifies the desire for the relationship to continue and the willingness to invest effort and resources to maintain it. Committed partners expect the relationship to endure, are future-oriented in their decisions, and form strong emotional attachments to each other. It is crucial for the stability and longevity of relationships.

Friendship

A voluntary personal relationship involving intimacy and assistance where two parties like each other and enjoy each other's company. It's characterized by affection, companionship, trustworthiness, self-disclosure, and emotional and practical support.

Love

while often including elements of friendship, is a broader and deeper emotional connection. It encompasses affection, passion, and commitment. Love can exist in various forms, including romantic love, familial love, and platonic love (which is similar to friendship but often includes deeper emotional bonds).

Describe aspects of social support

includes emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support provided by others. Emotional support involves expressing care and empathy, instrumental support involves practical assistance, informational support provides advice and guidance, and appraisal support offers affirmations and feedback.

Childhood trends in friendships across the lifespan

Friendships start with unoccupied play and progress to cooperative play.

Adolescence trends in friendships across the lifespan

Adolescents spend more time with peers, relying heavily on friends for emotional support and companionship.

Young Adulthood trends in friendships across the lifespan

Friendships change as individuals enter postsecondary education and navigate new social environments.

Midlife trends in friendships across the lifespan

Social networks change, often reducing time spent with friends due to increased focus on romantic relationships and family.

Later in Life trends in friendships across the lifespan

Social networks become smaller, but the number of close friends may remain stable, while casual friendships might decrease.

Illustrate how being friendless is not necessarily harmful

Around 15% of children may be consistently friendless, yet this doesn't always indicate harm or loneliness. Some individuals, including children, might prefer solitude. It's essential to distinguish between social preference and social isolation.

Discuss the impact of acceptance

Being accepted by peers positively impacts self-esteem and social competence, fostering a sense of belonging.

Discuss the impact of shyness

Can lead to fear of negative evaluation, poor self-esteem, and difficulties in social interactions. It might result in distant social interactions due to fear and anxiety.

Discuss the impact of loneliness

Arises from a discrepancy between desired and actual social connections. It can lead to emotional distress and a desire for more satisfying relationships.

Describe the adult friendship dissolution process model

Friendships can end due to various reasons, including conflicts, life transitions, or changing interests. The process involves stages such as recognizing dissatisfaction, evaluating the friendship, making a decision, and implementing the decision (which might involve confrontation or gradual distancing). After the dissolution, individuals may reflect on the experience and decide whether to reinitiate contact or move on.

social cognition

all the processes of perception, interpretation, belief, and memory with which we evaluate and understand ourselves and other people

primacy effect

the tendency to give disproportionate weight to the initial information we receive about someone when forming an impression. It means that the first impressions we have of our partners can have a significant and lasting impact on how we perceive and interpret their later actions and behaviors.

confirmation bias

when individuals tend to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms their preconceptions or hypotheses. In intimate relationships, this can lead individuals to focus on information that supports their beliefs about their partners while ignoring or downplaying contradictory information.

overconfidence

the tendency for individuals to overestimate their abilities or judgments. It can lead people to believe that they are better at understanding their partners, predicting their behaviors, or resolving relationship issues than they actually are, potentially causing misunderstandings and conflicts.

positive illusions

viewing one's partner in an overly positive light, emphasizing their virtues and downplaying their flaws. These illusions can contribute to relationship satisfaction by fostering positive feelings and attitudes, even if they do not perfectly align with reality.

attributions

the explanations or reasons people give for their own or their partner's behaviors. Positive attributions involve attributing positive behaviors to internal, stable, and global qualities, whereas negative behaviors may be attributed to external, unstable, and specific factors. Attributional patterns can influence relationship dynamics and satisfaction.

actor/observer effects

the tendency to attribute one's own behavior to situational factors (actor effect) while attributing others' behavior to internal characteristics (observer effect). In relationships, this can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, as partners may perceive each other's actions differently based on these biases.

self-serving biases

individuals may take credit for positive relationship outcomes while blaming external circumstances or their partner for negative outcomes.

reconstructive memory

the process of recalling past events and experiences with the influence of current attitudes and beliefs. In relationships, reconstructive memory can lead individuals to remember events or conversations in ways that align with their current feelings or opinions, potentially distorting the accuracy of their recollections.

marital paradigms

the overarching beliefs and expectations individuals hold about marriage. These paradigms shape how people perceive their roles, responsibilities, and the purpose of marriage, influencing their behaviors and attitudes within intimate relationships.

destiny beliefs

the belief that relationships are predestined or meant to be. Individuals with strong destiny beliefs may perceive their relationships as fated and enduring, influencing their commitment and efforts to overcome challenges.

growth beliefs

the belief that relationships require effort, growth, and adaptation from both partners. Individuals with growth beliefs are more likely to view challenges as opportunities for personal and relational development, fostering resilience and adaptability in relationships.

self-fulfilling prophecies

a person's beliefs or expectations about a situation influence their behavior in a way that brings about the expected outcome. In relationships, if one partner believes the relationship will fail and acts in ways that contribute to its downfall, the prophecy may self-fulfill, reinforcing the initial belief.

self-concepts

the perceptions individuals have about themselves, including their values, beliefs, and identity within the context of the relationship. Healthy self-concepts contribute to self-esteem and overall relationship satisfaction.

self-enhancement

efforts to maintain and enhance a positive self-image. In the context of intimate relationships, individuals may engage in behaviors or seek validation from their partners to boost their self-esteem and feel valued and loved.

self-verification

the tendency of individuals to seek confirmation and validation of their self-concepts and beliefs, even if those self-concepts are negative. In relationships, people may prefer partners who confirm their existing self-views, whether positive or negative.

implicit attitudes

unconscious biases or preferences that influence a person's feelings and behaviors without their conscious awareness. These attitudes can shape interpersonal interactions and romantic preferences in subtle ways.

transference

when individuals unconsciously transfer feelings, attitudes, and dynamics from past relationships or significant others onto their current partners. Transference can impact how people perceive and respond to their partners, often without their awareness.