Chapter 3: Social Connections Flashcards
(30 cards)
A healthy sense of self
self-esteem, empathy, ability to be alone and with others
makes successful relationships possible
Friendship
a reciprocal relationship based on mutual caring, respect, trust, interest and companionship
Social Support
having family and friends to share positive and negative life experiences with
-offers a psychological buffer against stress, anxiety, and depression
-may increase one’s sense of self-worth
Intimae Relationship
similar to friendship but are more exclusive, include deeper levels of connection, and has a sexual component
Characteristics of Successful Partnerships
-Independence and Maturity
-Self esteem and mutual respect
-Good communication
-Sexual affection and respect
-Quality time together and alone
-Acknowledgement of strengths/failings
-Assertive/flexible in wants and needs
-Unselfish caring
-Friends and lovers
-Good relationships with family/friends
-Shared Spiritual values
Factors that promote attraction
Proximity and familiarity
Physical attractiveness
Similar values/attitudes
Similarity Theory
we fall in love with people who are similar to us in important ways
Social Exchange Theory
choosing a partner based on exchange of commodities (love, status, property, services)
Love involves
increased levels of dopamine
causes arousal of sympathetic nervous system
effects subside as lovers become habituated to each other
Sternberg’s Love Triangle
Love has 3 dimensions
Intimacy
Passion
Commitment
*different combinations of these components in a relationship produce different kinds of love
Nonverbal communication
takes place without words, mostly through body language
Metamessage
unspoken message
meaning behind the message conveyed by nonverbal behavior and situational factors like how, when, and where the message is delivered
“I” Statements
avoids accusing others
helps take responsibility for own emotions/reactions
Assertiveness
ability to stand up for oneself without violating other’s rights
Gender differences in communication
Men more likely o use communication to compete
Women more likely to use communication to connect
Sex
Biological status as male/female
Intersex
condition in which genitals are ambiguous at birth
Gender
behaviors/characteristics considered appropriate for a male or female
Cisgender
an individual whose gender matches assigned gender
Gender role
behaviors an individual engages in to conform to society’s expectations
Androgynous
an individual that displays characteristics of both genders
Gender identity
internal sense of being male/female
Gender dysphoria
discomfort about one’s sex
Transgender
sense of identity that conflicts with one’s biological sex
