Lecture Notes: Close Relationships

Close Relationships Lecture Notes

Overview of Close Relationships

  • Lecture Title: Close Relationships
  • Presenter: Dr. Nathaniel Schermerhorn

Pandemic Impact on Loneliness and Social Behavior

  • Covid Pandemic and Loneliness
    • The pandemic significantly impacted young people's social lives, causing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    • Lockdowns created a profound sense of disconnection, described as a "hidden monster of loneliness" particularly in individuals over 50.
    • Prof. Rose Anne Kenny highlighted that socializing has not returned to pre-pandemic levels for many, resulting in ongoing loneliness and social anxiety among Gen Z.
    • The pandemic has been termed the "pandemic of loneliness," emphasizing its status as a significant public health crisis.

Loneliness and Health Implications

  • Health Risks
    • Loneliness can increase the risk of death by 26%.
    • Loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
    • Greater risks associated with loneliness include:
    • Increased heart disease and stroke risks
    • Higher likelihood of developing high blood pressure
    • Association with depression
    • Greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia
    • Studies referenced include findings from Holt-Lundstad (2010; 2015).

Factors Supporting Healthy Relationships

  • Objectives for Class
    1. Explain factors that determine attraction
    2. Describe social psychological theories of attraction
    3. Define two types of love
    4. Analyze the relationship between attachment style and relationships

Attraction Factors

Physical Factors
  • Physical Appearance
    • Attractiveness emerges as a primary predictor of attraction based on studies (Hartfield, 1966).
    • Babies show a preference for attractive faces, suggesting an innate response.
    • Attractive individuals are perceived to be smarter, happier, and more successful in various life aspects.
Psychological Factors
  • Matching Phenomenon
    • Individuals typically seek partners with similar levels of physical attractiveness.
  • Familiarity and Proximity
    • The Proximity Effect denotes that physical closeness can enhance attraction, as evidenced by college studies (Back et al., 2008).
  • Need to Affiliate
    • The inherent motive to seek and maintain relationships.
  • Emotional State
    • Affect involves the emotional states consisting of feelings and moods, influencing attraction.
  • Similarity
    • People are more attracted to those with similar attitudes, interests, and values.

Theories of Attraction

Social Exchange Theory
  • Proposed that relationship satisfaction is based on an analysis of rewards versus costs.
    • Formula: Outcomes = Rewards - Costs
Equity Theory
  • Suggests individuals prefer relationships where fairness and equity are prioritized.
Reinforcement and Rewards
  • The Reinforcement Affect Model indicates that we favor individuals present during positive experiences, enhancing attraction.

Types of Love

  1. Passionate Love
    • Characterized by intense emotional and physical feelings towards another.
  2. Companionate Love
    • Defined by deep caring and affection.

Attachment Styles and Relationships

Types of Attachment
  • Secure Attachment
    • Features trust, less anxiety about loss, and a secure sense of self.
  • Avoidant Attachment
    • Characterized by low trust and a tendency to avoid close relationships.
  • Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment
    • Features high anxiety and an overwhelming need for affirmation and reassurance in relationships.
Impact on Future Relationships
  • Secure Attachment fosters healthy, long-term relationships.
  • Avoidant Attachment leads to instability in relationships, often resulting in casual connections and dissatisfaction.
  • Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment contributes to possessiveness and conflict within relationships.

Conclusion

  • The content of this lecture addresses how social behaviors, the impact of the pandemic, and various psychological factors interplay in the formation and maintenance of close relationships. Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating personal connections in our social world.