CH 2: Theories (main ideas & pro/cons) Flashcards
main idea of evolutionary perspective
mating behaviors are evolved solutions to reproductive problems that humans faces tens of thousands of years ago
strengths and limitations of evolutionary perspective
strengths: examines adaptive functions of mating behaviors, links current behaviors to biological and historical forces
limitations: can overlook more immediate causes of relationships
main idea of attachment theory
adult relationships are shaped by the kinds of bonds we form with caregivers during infancy
strengths and limitations of attachment theory
strengths: accounts for relationship patterns across the lifespan
limitations: doesn’t address sources of variability among couples with the same attachment style
main idea of social exchange theory
in relationships, partners seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs
strengths and limitations of social exchange theory
strengths: distinguishes between satisfaction and dependence, encompasses a wide variety of variables
limitations: doesn’t explain how perceptions of rewards and costs may change over time
main idea of social learning theory
the behaviors that partners exchange with each other determine their satisfaction with the relationship
strengths and limitations of social learning theory
strengths: provides a specific mechanism for change in initially satisfying relationships
limitations: doesn’t explain the origins of relationship skills and behavior
main idea of social ecological models
the environment of a relationship can enhance or constrain relationship processes
strengths and limitations of social ecological models
strengths: explains why vulnerable couples may experience decreased relationship satisfaction
limitations: doesn’t provide a mechanism to link environmental demands to relationship processes
