Cognitive Theories of Attraction

What defines romantic relationships?

Strong and frequent interdependence across many life domains.

What does the Cognitive Theory of relationships emphasise?

Internal mental processes such as perception, memory, and schema.

What is one issue with the Cognitive Theory of relationships?

It underestimates biological and emotional factors in relationship formation.

What do human connections sometimes rely on instead of cognitive evaluation?

Instinct, hormonal responses, or unconscious processes.

What does the Similarity-Attraction Model argue?

People are attracted to others who are similar to themselves.

Why is another’s support for one’s views attractive?

It validates opinions and boosts self-esteem.

What is one strength of the Similarity-Attraction Model?

High internal validity with consistent research support.

What is a second strength of the Similarity-Attraction Model?

Easy to measure and test in experiments and surveys.

What is a third strength of the Similarity-Attraction Model?

Practical use in online dating and matchmaking algorithms.

What is one weakness of the Similarity-Attraction Model?

It oversimplifies attraction and similarity isn’t always enough.

What is a second weakness of the Similarity-Attraction Model?

It doesn’t explain “opposites attract.”

What is the internal working model of relationships?

A biologically based motivation for attachment shaped by experience.

What is the first element of the internal working model?

Ideas about attachment figures and expectations from them.

What is the second element of the internal working model?

Ideas about the self.

What is the third element of the internal working model?

Ideas about how the self and others relate.

What is one strength of the internal working model?

Based on Bowlby’s attachment theory with strong empirical support.

What is a second strength of the internal working model?

Cross-cultural research links early attachment and adult relationships.

What is a third strength of the internal working model?

Explains attraction, maintenance, and breakdown of relationships.

What is a fourth strength of the internal working model?

High ecological validity with real-life attachment influences observable.

What is one weakness of the internal working model?

Relies on retrospective self-reports which may be biased.

What is another weakness of the internal working model?

Relies on correlational data so causation cannot be confirmed.