Relationships - factors affecting attraction Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are the 3 main factors that affect romantic relationships
- Self disclosure
- Physical attractiveness and matching hypothesis
- Filter theory
What is meant by self disclosure
Revealing personal info to a person we like.
Self fulfilling prophecy creates trust and increases attraction
What are the 3 theories of self disclosure in romantic relationships
Social penetration theory
Breadth and depth of self disclosure
Reciprocity of self disclosure
What is social penetration theory as part of self disclosure
Altman + Taylor, states by gradually revealing personal info and listening to reciprocal exchange of info, it displays trust and understanding (especially when sensitive info)
What is breadth and depth of self disclosure as part of self disclosure
Altman + Taylor:
Breadth: at the start of relationship info is only surface level when disclosed
Depth: as relationship develops, disclosure info becomes deeper, and higher risk
As these increase, partners become more committed
What is reciprocity as part of self disclosure
Reis + Shaver, states that when disclosure occurs, partner should reward through understanding, empathy and reciprocity of similar info, leading to a balance of feelings and a deeper relationship
What researach is there to support self disclosure
Sprecher and Hendrick, found couples are more satisfied and committed when self disclosure is more present
What are 2 negative evaluation points of self disclosure
Correlational data - no cause and effect, commitment may lead to disclosure instead
Reductionism - fails to account for evolutionary explanations
What is the importance of physical attractiveness
Shows genetic superiority such as symmetrical features, and neotenous (baby) faces which trigger a caring instinct
Women look for - wealth, resources, security and strength
Men look for - signs of fertility, hourglass figure
What are the 2 main theories in relation to physical attractiveness and the matching hypothesis
- Halo effect
- Matching hypothesis
What is the halo effect as a theory of physical attractiveness and matching hypothesis
People deemed attractive benefit from favourable perceptions from society, e.g good personality and less likely to be convicted of a crime
What is the matching hypothesis as a theory of physical attractiveness and matching hypothesis
More likely to be attracted to people we deem to be on a similar level of physical attractiveness to ourselves.
Reduces risk of rejection and chances of being left for more attractive partners
What is the filter theory
Kerckhoff and Davies, choices of potential mates are limited by several factors:
1. Social demography
2. Similarity in attitudes
3. Complementarity
What does social demography of the filter theory consist of
Time spend more with those of similar age, gender, education meaning those who differ are less likely to become romantic partners, leading to homogamy
What does similarity in attitudes of the filter theory consist of
Same attitudes encourages deeper communication and self disclosure, and if little is in common partners are less likely to stay together
What does complementarity of the filter theory consist of
A characteristic of one partner is complemented by the other, allowing needs to be fulfilled and relationships to be sustained
What is one evaluation point for all of these theories
All reductionist
