Relationships Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is anisogamy and how does it affect partner preferences?
Anisogamy refers to the differences between male and female sex cells. This leads to different reproductive strategies: males prefer quantity (more offspring), while females prefer quality (a partner who can provide resources).
What do men tend to look for in a partner and why (evolutionary explanation)?
Men prefer youth and physical attractiveness (wide hips, small waist), as these are signs of fertility and reproductive value. They are also more likely to guard against cuckoldry.
What do women tend to look for in a partner and why (evolutionary explanation)?
Women seek partners with resources, status, and the ability to provide for offspring (e.g., wealth, ambition), because raising a child requires support.
What are the weaknesses of evolutionary explanations for partner preferences?
- Only explains heterosexual relationships
- Ignores cultural and temporal differences
- Some preferences vary significantly across cultures (e.g., body type)
What is a strength of the evolutionary explanation?
Supporting evidence from natural observations (e.g., male competition in animals) and human mate preferences (men prefer youth, women prefer status).
What is self-disclosure and why is it important in relationships?
It is the revealing of personal information. Gradual self-disclosure increases intimacy and is essential for deep, lasting relationships.
Who developed the ‘onion theory’ of self-disclosure?
Altman and Taylor; they proposed that disclosure begins shallow and becomes deeper over time.
What cultural differences exist in self-disclosure?
Tang et al. found higher levels in the US compared to China, suggesting it’s culturally variable.
What is the ‘halo effect’?
The assumption that physically attractive people also possess desirable personality traits.
What is the matching hypothesis?
People choose partners who are similar in physical attractiveness to avoid rejection.
What are the weaknesses of the matching hypothesis?
People often choose more attractive partners or prefer less attractive partners to feel more secure.
What are the three levels of the filter model?
1) Social demography, 2) Similarity in attitudes, 3) Complementarity.
What is the strength of the filter model?
High face validity; it makes sense that similarity and proximity matter in early relationships.
What is a weakness of the filter theory?
Temporal validity – online dating changes the role of social demography.
What is the core idea of social exchange theory (SET)?
People evaluate relationships based on a cost-benefit analysis and comparison level.
What are criticisms of SET?
- Assumes selfishness
- Ignores equity and emotional factors
- Research based on artificial scenarios
What does equity theory propose?
Relationship satisfaction comes from perceived fairness; inequity causes dissatisfaction.
What is a key study supporting equity theory?
Hatfield found that couples in equitable relationships were more satisfied.
What is a cultural limitation of equity theory?
Equity is more valued in individualistic cultures; less so in collectivist ones.
What three factors determine relationship commitment in Rusbult’s model?
1) Satisfaction level, 2) Comparison with alternatives, 3) Investment size.
How does the model explain staying in abusive relationships?
High investment may lead to continued commitment despite dissatisfaction.
What are two criticisms of the investment model?
- Relies on self-report data
- Correlational, not causational
What are the four phases in Duck’s model of relationship breakdown?
1) Intrapsychic, 2) Dyadic, 3) Social, 4) Grave-dressing.
What is a practical application of Duck’s model?
Useful for couples’ therapy to intervene at different stages.
