Chapter 9 - Relationships and attraction

Question 1

What is the communal relationship?

Answer 1

A relationship based on concern for each other’s welfare, like close friendships or family ties.

Question 2

What is an exchange relationship?

Answer 2

A relationship based on equity and reciprocity, often seen in business or casual acquaintances.

Question 3

What is the social exchange theory?

Answer 3

People evaluate relationships based on rewards and costs, aiming for the best benefit-to-cost ratio.

Question 4

What is the equity theory?

Answer 4

People want fairness in relationships, where their benefits and contributions are proportionate.

Question 5

What are attachment styles?

Answer 5

Patterns of relationship behavior, including secure, anxious, and avoidant styles, shaped by early interactions.

Question 6

What characterizes a secure attachment style?

Answer 6

Comfort with intimacy and interdependence; low anxiety and low avoidance.

Question 7

What characterizes an anxious attachment style?

Answer 7

Preoccupation with relationships and fear of abandonment; high anxiety, low avoidance.

Question 8

What characterizes an avoidant attachment style?

Answer 8

Discomfort with closeness and dependency; low anxiety, high avoidance.

Question 9

How does proximity influence attraction?

Answer 9

Being physically near someone increases the chance of liking and forming relationships.

Question 10

What is the mere exposure effect?

Answer 10

Repeated exposure to a person or object leads to increased liking.

Question 11

How does similarity affect attraction?

Answer 11

People are more likely to be attracted to those with similar attitudes, values, and backgrounds.

Question 12

What role does complementarity play in attraction?

Answer 12

While similarity matters, complementary traits can also enhance attraction in some cases.

Question 13

How does physical attractiveness influence relationships?

Answer 13

Attractive individuals are generally more liked and have social advantages.

Question 14

What is the halo effect?

Answer 14

The belief that attractive people also possess other positive traits like intelligence or kindness.

Question 15

Are beauty standards universal?

Answer 15

Some aspects, like facial symmetry, are cross-culturally valued, but others vary across cultures.

Question 16

What is reproductive fitness?

Answer 16

Traits signaling good genes and health that are evolutionarily attractive to potential mates.

Question 17

What is the importance of facial symmetry?

Answer 17

Symmetry is often perceived as a sign of health and good genes.

Question 18

How do men and women differ in mate preferences?

Answer 18

Evolutionary theory suggests men prioritize youth and attractiveness; women prioritize status and resources.

Question 19

What is romantic love?

Answer 19

An intense emotional attachment that includes passion, intimacy, and often commitment.

Question 20

What is companionate love?

Answer 20

Love marked by trust, affection, and a deep bond, often in long-term relationships.

Question 21

What is passionate love?

Answer 21

Intense romantic attraction accompanied by arousal and desire.

Question 22

What is the investment model of commitment?

Answer 22

Commitment depends on satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investment in the relationship.

Question 23

What role does satisfaction play in commitment?

Answer 23

Higher satisfaction increases commitment to the relationship.

Question 24

How do alternatives affect commitment?

Answer 24

Better perceived alternatives reduce commitment; fewer alternatives increase it.

Question 25

What counts as investment in a relationship?

Answer 25

Resources like time, emotional energy, shared experiences, and possessions.

Question 26

What predicts relationship stability?

Answer 26

High commitment, good communication, and effective conflict resolution.

Question 27

What communication styles harm relationships?

Answer 27

Criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt — known as the “Four Horsemen” by John Gottman.

Question 28

What are constructive communication strategies?

Answer 28

Expressing needs calmly, listening actively, and validating the partner’s feelings.

Question 29

What is capitalization in relationships?

Answer 29

Sharing good news with a partner and receiving enthusiastic support, which strengthens bonds.

Question 30

What is social support in close relationships?

Answer 30

Providing assistance, comfort, and empathy during times of stress.

Question 31

How does playfulness affect relationships?

Answer 31

It keeps relationships fresh, fosters connection, and promotes satisfaction.

Question 32

What is self-disclosure?

Answer 32

Sharing personal, intimate details with a partner to build closeness.

Question 33

How does perceived partner responsiveness matter?

Answer 33

Feeling understood and validated by a partner increases satisfaction and trust.

Question 34

How do long-distance relationships compare to close-proximity ones?

Answer 34

They can be as satisfying, but require more communication and commitment.

Question 35

What is assortative mating?

Answer 35

The tendency to pair with others who are similar in social, physical, or psychological traits.

Question 36

How does jealousy function in relationships?

Answer 36

It can protect relationships from threats but may also harm trust if excessive.

Question 37

What is the difference between passionate and companionate love over time?

Answer 37

Passionate love tends to decline; companionate love often grows with time.

Question 38

How do relationships affect health?

Answer 38

Strong relationships are linked to better physical and mental health outcomes.

Question 39

What cultural differences exist in relationships?

Answer 39

Individualistic cultures prioritize personal choice; collectivist cultures emphasize family and group considerations.

Question 40

What is the matching hypothesis?

Answer 40

People tend to pair with others of similar attractiveness levels.

Question 41

How does attachment theory explain adult relationships?

Answer 41

Early caregiver bonds shape later patterns of intimacy and dependency.

Question 42

What is the role of self-esteem in attraction?

Answer 42

People with higher self-esteem may be more confident in pursuing relationships.

Question 43

How do breakups impact well-being?

Answer 43

They can cause distress but often lead to growth and learning over time.

Question 44

What predicts who ends up with whom?

Answer 44

Proximity, similarity, reciprocity, and physical attractiveness all play important roles.

Question 45

How does reciprocity affect attraction?

Answer 45

We are more attracted to people who show they like us.

Question 46

What is the “coolidge effect”?

Answer 46

Renewed sexual interest when introduced to a novel partner.

Question 47

What is love according to Sternberg’s theory?

Answer 47

A combination of passion, intimacy, and commitment in various blends.

Question 48

What is the role of humor in attraction?

Answer 48

It signals intelligence, playfulness, and social skill, boosting attractiveness.

Question 49

What’s the overall importance of relationships?

Answer 49

They provide emotional, psychological, and physical benefits essential for human flourishing.