Attraction & Close Relationships Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the proximity effect that determines initial attraction?
It is a mere exposure effect - the more we are exposed to stimulus, the more we come to like that simulus
How does the proximity effect work?
Exposure increases perceptual fluency (easy to process) which feels good and:
Repeated exposure + nothing bad happens = good
What is the effect of similarity on determining initial attraction?
people tend to become involved romantically with others who are equivalent in their physical attractiveness
What are the reasons for similarity attraction?
- Social validation function: share our beliefs/values so we feel right
- Attributions for disagreement: disagree on something important = unpleasant
- Reciprocal liking: we assume similar others will like us
What are the reasons for reciprocal liking?
- Rewarding - it feels good
- Similarity - we like ourselves
What are the exceptions to reciprocal liking?
- Playing hard to get: prefer moderately selective compared to those who are non-selective or too-selective
- Standards/uncertainty/reactance
What is the effect of physical attractiveness?
The more attractive, the more positively viewed the person is
What are the effects of composite faces?
faces merged together are more attractive than the component faces
Composites are rated more attractive when they…
- Are made out of attractive vs average faces (Perret et al)
- Contain picture of us (Little & Perret)
Why do we like attractive people?
rewarding to be in the company of people who are aesthetically appealing as we associate physical attractiveness with other desirable qualities
What are the stereotypes about attractive people?
- more socially competent
- more sexual, happier assertive
- higher is personal strength or integrity and concern
What is the relationship between self-fulfilling prophecies and attraction?
PHONE CALL STUDY - males acted warmer and more sociable to attractive females
What is the evolutionary perspective of males?
look for signs of reproductive fitness, physical appearance (age, health), attractiveness and youth
What is the evolutionary perspective of females?
look for resources, economics and career achievements, and ambition, industriousness and good earning capacity
What is the effect of Conspicuous consumption?
showing off your resources and status is male’s short term mating to signal high genetic quality but not a long term goal
What are intimate relationships?
- Feelings of attachment, affection and love
- Fulfillment of psychological needs
- Interdependence between partners
What are the two types of love?
Passionate love and companionate love
What is passionate love?
Intense longing for person, phsyciological arousal
What is companionate love?
feelings of intimacy and affection
What is intimacy?
self-disclosure:
- revelations about the self-made by other
- increases as the relationship develops
What is higher self-disclosure associated with?
- more positive affect and attractions
- greater satisfaction, commitment and love in couples
what is passion and misattribution of arousal?
SCARY BRIDGE STUDy - people on the scary bridge more likely to call as they misattribute their arousal to attraction
RUNNING STUDY - running (arousal) increased attraction to attractive target
What is the social exchange theory?
The rewards, costs, Comparison level and comparison level for alternatives in relationships
What are rewards in the social exchange theory?
Positive, gratifying aspects of the relationship that makes it worthwhile and reinforcing
