Ch 9 Flashcards
Interpersonal Attraction
The desire to approach other people
Social Comparison Theory
We evaluate our thoughts and actions by comparing them with those of others.
We do this when we are uncertain.
We like similar people best
Social Exchange theory
We sep out and maintain those relationships in which the rewards exceed the costs.
physical attractiveness stereotype
The belief that physically attractive individuals possess socially desirable personality traits and lead happier lives than less attractive persons
Matching Hypothesis
The proposition that people are attracted to others who are similar to them in particular characteristics. Proportion is more important than actual number.
Body Esteem
A person’s attitudes toward his or her body
Social Anxiety
The unpleasant emotion people experience due to their concern with interpersonal evaluation
Arousability
The habitual degree to which stimulation produces arousal of the central nervous system
Introverts > Extroverts
Consequences of a lack of affiliation
Stress, anxiety, self-defeating behavior, worse physical health
MIT Housing Study
Result: Physical proximity is the most important determining factor in friendship choices. 2/3 of friends lived on same floor
Affiliation and Anxiety - Schachter study
Did participants choose to wait alone or with others under situations of stress
Results: Stress causes us to feel a greater need to affiliate. “Misery loves miserable company”
High stress - 63% chose to be with others.
The Halo Effect (Physical attractiveness stereotype)
The belief that physically attractive individuals possess socially desirable personality traits and lead happier lives than less attractive people.
Gender and Physical Attractiveness
PA is more important for women than men, but more important for gay men than lesbians.
What is the ideal waist-hip ratio
.7
Radiation Effect
People are judged to be more attractive if they are with an attractive member of the opposite sex, and less attractive if they are with an unattractive member of the opposite sex.
