Chapter 12: Intimate Relationships

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 12 on Intimate Relationships including attraction, commitment models, and the influence of gender and culture.

Similarity-attraction hypothesis

The tendency to form relationships with others who have similar attitudes, values, interests, and demographics.

Assortative mating

The tendency to mate with someone who shares our features and interests.

Mere exposure effect

The tendency for us to prefer familiar objects and individuals, especially as exposure to them increases.

Proximity effect

The tendency for us to like people who are in close geographic proximity due to mere exposure.

Misattribution of arousal

Our tendency to assume physiological reactions to our environment are due to sexual attraction to another person.

Excitation transfer effect

Our tendency to interpret excitement over a situation as excitement about another person.

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

Suggests all intimate relationships are made up of intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Intimacy

The emotional component of love, including feelings of closeness, connection, and bonding.

Attachment theory

The idea that our early family environment affects our ability to form and maintain healthy adult relationships.

Secure attachment style

Characterized by healthy self-esteem and the ability to trust and have loving relationships.

Anxious/ambivalent attachment style

Characterized by low self-esteem and high jealousy, craving love and support from others.

Avoidant/fearful attachment style

Characterized by a lack of healthy attachments, avoidance of commitment, and distrust.

Interdependence theory

Predicts relationship commitment based on satisfaction and alternatives.

Social exchange theory

A model that analyzes the costs and benefits of relationships to predict commitment levels.

Promiscuity

The number of casual sexual partners one has.

Arranged marriage

A marriage planned by the couple members’ families, often based on pragmatic reasons.

Field of eligibles

The potential dates and mates available for an individual based on their criteria for a romantic partner.