Chapter 10: Attraction and Relationships

Social Psy

Proximity

physical or functional closeness between people

Role of proximity/propinquity in relationships

The closer people are physically, the more likely they are to interact and form relationships. Due to increased exposures and opportunities to interact.

Propinquity effect

More likely to become friends or partners with those we see often

Mere exposure effect

repeated exposure increases our liking for it. The more we see someone, the more familiar and likable they become (as long as initial reaction wasn’t negative).

What types of similarity predict attraction? 

Similarity over complimentary

Opinions

Personalty

Interests

Experience

Appearance

Genetics

Matching hypothesis

People are most likely to form and succeed in relationships with others who are similar in physical attractiveness.

Reciprocal liking

Attracted to people who like us back. Can overcome dissimilarty in attitudes and bias in attractive faces.

Reciprocal liking and relation to attraction

Can overcome dissimilarty in attitudes and bias in attractive faces.

Physical attractiveness on the behavior of others

Attractive people are treated more positively by others.

Halo Effect

A cognitive bias where we assume that someone with one positive trait (like attractiveness) also has other positive traits (like intelligence or kindness).

Characteristics frequently associated with physically attractive people

sociable, friendly, competent, intelligent, successful

Characteristics that are supported by research

Attractive people tend to be more socially skilled and confident, likely due to positive social experiences.

What-is-beautiful must be good

Physical attractiveness equals positive personal qualities

How might the tendency of attractive people to develop better social skills be related to self-fulfilling prophecy?

Because others treat attractive people more positively, they receive more social opportunities and reinforcement. Over time, they develop stronger social skills, which then confirm the initial positive expectations others had — completing a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Composite faces

Created by combining many individual faces. Are rated as more attractive than most individual faces. It is because they are more symmetrical and familiar. 

Companionate love

Deep affection, intimacy, and long-term commitment. Found in long-term relationships and friendships.

Passionate love

intense emotional and physical attraction, often early in relationships. Characterized by arousal and longing.

Sternberg’s triangular theory of love

Three components

1. Intimacy

2. Passion

3. Commitment

Intimacy

emotional closeness and connection

Passion

physical attraction and desire

Commitment

decision to maintain the relationship

Secure attachment 

comfortable with intimacy and dependence; healthy. stable relationships. 

Avoidant attachment

distant, emotionally unavailable; avoids closeness.

Anxious (ambivalent) attachment

fears abandonment, seeks reassurance, may appear clingy.

Reinforcement-affect model

We like people associated with positive emotions or rewarding experiences.

Social exchange theory

What do we get out of the relationship. Seek to maximize benefits and minimize costs.

Investment model (Rusbult)

commitment depends on: satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, and investment

Equity theory 

people are happiest in relationships that are fair. When their ratio of inputs (effort, time) to outcomes (love, benefits) is equal to their partners. 

Exchange relationships 

based on reciprocity and fairness; expect repayment or balance. (New acquaintances)

Communal relationships

focus on responding to the other person’s needs without expecting anything in return. (Long term relationships)

Rewards 

Positive, gratifying aspect of relationship 

Costs

Negative aspects of relationship

Outcome

Comparison of rewards versus cost.

Comparison level

Expectations

Comparison level for alternatives

Other options

Over benefited

Lots of reward, few costs

Under benefitted

Few rewards and high cost