Interpersonal Attraction

Antecedents of Attraction

Propinquity effect The finding that the more we see and interact

with people, the more likely they are to become our friends.

The Person Next Door: The Propinquity Effect Attraction and propinquity rely on

actual physical distance plus functional distance:

Similarity

Similarity is a strong predictor of attraction in both friendships and romantic relationships

Reciprocal Liking

Reciprocal liking:- Is liking someone who likes us in return.

- Is one of the prime determinants of interpersonal attraction.

- Will only have an influence if you like yourself in the first place.

The Effects of Physical Attractiveness on LikingWhat is Attractive?

- Both sexes prefer large eyes, prominent cheekbones, and a big smile.

- Males also prefer a female face with a small nose and chin.

- Females also prefer a male face with a large chin.

Physically attractive people often get preferential treatment.

Known as “what is beautiful is good” stereotype

Forming Close Relationships

Defining Love Committed lovers have fun together; they

also share tedious times. They work to maintain their relationship. Commitment is characterized by a

willingness to work through problems and conflicts.

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of LoveThree components of love:

1. Intimacy

2. Passion

3. Commitment

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love Consummate Love

Composed of all three components, is “complete love, …a kind of love toward which many of us strive, especially in romantic relationships”

Defining Love

Companionate love:

Passionate love:

What Predicts a Happy & Healthy

Relationship?

Attachment Styles and Intimate Relationships Attachment theory suggests that our

behaviour in adult relationships is based on our experiences as infants with our parents or caregivers.

Attachment styles are the expectations people develop about relationships, based on the relationship they had with their primary caregiver when they were infants.

Attachment Styles and Intimate Relationships Secure attachment style

Anxious/Ambivalent attachment style

Avoidant attachment style

Attachment Styles and Intimate Relationships New research suggests that people may

have different attachment styles in different relationships.

New research has also shown that genes contribute to a portion of the variability in attachment styles.

Social Exchange Theories

Social exchange theory suggests that how people feel about their relationships depends on:

- Their perception of the rewards and costs of the relationship.

- The kind of relationship they deserve.

- Their chances of having a better relationship with someone else.

Social Exchange Theories Reward/cost ratio in social exchange

theory is the notion that there is a balance between:

- The rewards that come from a relationship, and

- The personal cost of maintaining the relationship.

Social Exchange Theories Comparison levels

Comparison level for alternatives

Equity Theories

Equity Theory People are happiest in relationships in which the

rewards and costs that a person experiences, and the contributions that they make to their relationship are roughly equal to the rewards, costs, and contributions of the other person.

Equity Theories

Equity concerns vary, depending on the type of relationship (Clark & Mills) Exchange Relationships: Casual relationships

governed by the need for a comparable ratio of rewards and costs.

Communal Relationships: Long-term, close relationships in which people’s primary concern is being responsive to the other’s needs.

Maintaining Close Relationships

Communal and Exchange Relationships