Relationships: Factors Affecting Attraction Flashcards
(29 cards)
Why is self-disclosure linked to attraction in relationships?
Sharing personal information suggests trust, making the discloser more likable and increasing attraction.
What is Social Penetration Theory (Altman & Taylor)?
A theory suggesting that as relationships develop, self-disclosure increases in breadth (range of topics) and depth (intimacy and detail), moving from superficial to personal.
What role does reciprocity play in self-disclosure?
For relationships to deepen, both individuals must disclose personal information and respond supportively to each other’s disclosures.
How do attributions affect the impact of self-disclosure?
Disclosure is more attractive when it seems selective; if someone shares personal info with everyone, it appears less meaningful and reduces attraction.
Why might self-disclosure reduce attraction in some cases?
If information is revealed too soon or breaks social norms (TMI), it can make others uncomfortable and decrease attraction.
How do Sprecher and Hendrick’s findings support the role of self-disclosure in attraction?
Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) found a positive correlation between levels of self-disclosure and relationship satisfaction, love, and commitment. This supports the idea that self-disclosure plays a key role in developing and maintaining romantic relationships.
What is a methodological limitation of self-disclosure research?
Much of the research is correlational, so we cannot conclude that self-disclosure causes attraction. It could be that people disclose more because they are already attracted, or a third factor (like shared interests) may influence both disclosure and attraction.
What gender issue exists in self-disclosure research?
It is commonly believed that women are more open and expressive in relationships, but this may reflect alpha bias, exaggerating gender differences. In reality, men and women may not differ significantly in self-disclosure, as Sprecher and Hendrick’s study suggests.
What is meant by the ‘field of availables’ vs. ‘field of desirables’?
The field of availables refers to all potential partners we could form a relationship with, while the field of desirables includes those who pass through filters and are seen as suitable.
What is the first filter in Filter Theory?
Social Demography — we’re more likely to form relationships with people nearby or who share characteristics like social class, education level, or economic background.
What is the second filter in Filter Theory?
Similarity in Attitudes — people with similar core values and beliefs are seen as more compatible and attractive, especially important in the early stages of a relationship.
What is the third filter in Filter Theory?
Complementarity — attraction occurs when partners meet each other’s emotional needs through complementary traits or behaviours (e.g., one leads, one follows), which supports long-term relationship success.
How do Kirchhoff & Davis’ findings support Filter Theory?
Their longitudinal study found that similarity in attitudes was key in short-term relationships, while complementarity became more important in long-term ones. This supports the idea that different filters operate at different relationship stages.
What is a criticism of Filter Theory regarding causality?
Similarity in attitudes may not cause attraction; instead, partners may become more similar over time due to mutual influence. This questions the direction of causality assumed by the theory.
Why might Filter Theory lack temporal validity?
In modern society, online dating and increased globalisation reduce the impact of social demographic factors. People are now more likely to form relationships outside their immediate geographic or social group, challenging the relevance of the first filter.
What alternative explanation challenges Filter Theory’s assumptions?
Complementarity may not be present at the start but could develop as partners establish roles in the relationship. This suggests that some filters may emerge later, rather than being preconditions for attraction.
What is the evolutionary explanation for why physical attractiveness influences romantic relationships?
Evolutionary theory suggests we are more attracted to physically attractive people because these features signal genetic and physical health. Indicators include facial symmetry, body shape, and youth. These traits suggest fertility and the ability to successfully raise offspring, making them adaptive from a reproductive standpoint.
What features are commonly associated with physical attractiveness, and why are they important evolutionarily?
Facial symmetry, youthful appearance, and certain body shapes (e.g., waist-to-hip ratio) are perceived as attractive because they signal good health and fertility. Evolutionarily, such features suggest strong genes and reproductive potential, making the individual a suitable mate.
What is the halo effect in the context of physical attractiveness?
The halo effect refers to the cognitive bias where individuals who are physically attractive are assumed to have other positive traits, such as intelligence, sociability, and competence. This perception leads others to treat them more positively, which may actually enhance their success, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
How can the halo effect influence social interactions and outcomes?
Due to the halo effect, attractive individuals are often judged more favourably in areas unrelated to looks, such as ability or personality. This results in more positive interactions, potentially leading to greater opportunities and success—thus reinforcing the belief in their superior traits.
What is the matching hypothesis in romantic relationships?
The matching hypothesis proposes that individuals seek romantic partners who are similar to themselves in physical attractiveness. This is to avoid rejection from more attractive individuals and to increase the likelihood of forming and maintaining a stable relationship.
Why do people choose partners of similar attractiveness, according to the matching hypothesis?
People make realistic judgments of their own attractiveness and seek partners who match it. This reduces the risk of rejection and increases the chance of relationship success. Choosing someone similarly attractive may also lower the risk of them leaving for a more attractive alternative.
What research supports the role of physical attractiveness in real-life partner choice?
A strength of physical attractiveness is support from Eastwick and Finkel (2008), who found that although participants claimed different mate preferences by gender, both men and women showed similar responses to physical attractiveness during speed dating. This suggests that attractiveness influences real romantic interest, not just stated ideals.
How does Meltzer et al. (2014) support the importance of physical attractiveness in long-term satisfaction?
Meltzer et al. (2014) found that husbands were more satisfied with their marriages when their wives were rated as physically attractive, and this effect lasted over four years. This supports evolutionary theory, which argues men value attractiveness as a cue of fertility.
