Introduction toRelationships

How do relationships start?Factors involved in attraction

Starter

With a partner list as many reasons as possible as to why two people start a romantic relationship

Extension – compare these with reasons for starting any relationship (friendship for example)

Learning Outcomes

• Identify reasons what/why relationship start.

• Describe a piece of research which supports each theory

• Identify strengths and weaknesses of these theories of formation of relationships

Big Picture

• Work in pairs – card sort

• Make notes on factors in starting relationships

• Discuss in pairs

Task 1

• On a blank A4 piece of paper draw a full body sketch (not naked) of your ideal romantic partner. To the sides of the drawing list the characteristics that you think this person should possess.

Reasons why relationship start

• Contact/proximity

• Physical appearance

• Reward/Need Satisfaction

• Similar attitudes and social background

Contact/proximity

• Bossard (1932) – over 50% of marriage applicants in Philadelphia lived within walking distance of each other.

• Festinger et al (1950) – Friendship formed by students in halls of residence far more likely if living on the same floor.

Ao1

Physical Appearance

• Hatfield et al. (1966) assessed the personalities and aptitude of 752 first year male and female students. They were then randomly paired and at a special occasion each couple danced and chatted for several hours. Afterwards they were interviewed about their dates.

Ao1

• Did personality characteristics influence attraction?

• Did aptitude influence attraction?

• Did self esteem / lack of anxiety influence attraction?

• No. For both men and women the only thing at mattered was the physical attractiveness of their partner.

• Researchers have found that men put more value than women on physical attractiveness, but women too, respond to a man’s looks.

Theories of physical attraction1. The matching phenomenon

(Murstein 1972)• Not everyone can end up being paired with a

stunning partner.

• So we tend to pair off with people who are of a similar level of attractiveness.

• Similarity in physical attractiveness is also conducive to good relationships. Including friendships.

• In cases where there is an apparent imbalance in a couple’s attractiveness, the less attractive person usually has compensating qualities, e.g., money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aTYuFJiGzw

Who would you rather go on a date with?

John is 35 years old, works as a warehouse supervisor, earns £15,000 a year, drives a Ford Focus and lives in a small one bedroomed flat. His hobbies are listening to music and watching football.

Derek is 66 years old and is the fifth earl of Monmouthshire. He is a millionaire and has several large houses around the world. He has his own personal driver and does not need to work. His hobbies are gardening and reading

Who would you rather go on a date with?

John

Derek

2. The physical attractiveness stereotype.

Is physical attraction based purely on sexual attraction?

No. Babies prefer looking at attractive faces.

Adults attribute more positive characteristics to physically attractive children than to non-physically attractive children (e.g., rate them as being more intelligent and successful).

People posses a physical attractiveness stereotype - people who are physically attractive are good.

2. The physical attractiveness stereotype. Attractiveness has been shown to affect first

impressions in job interviews which is why attractive people have more prestigious jobs and make more money.

Do attractive people have more desirable traits?

To some extent. Attractive people are more relaxed, outgoing and socially polished. This is probably due to a self fulfilling prophecy - attractive people are valued and favoured and so develop more self-confidence.

Theories of physical attraction2. The physical attractiveness

stereotype. Problems with physical attractiveness;

Unwelcome sexual advances

People may not judge you by Your skills or inner qualities

Resentment from their own sex

Attractive people may not have the motivation

to develop themselves in other ways

Looks fade

Similar attitudes / social background

• The law of attraction (Byrne et al 1986)

• Those with similar attitudes and personality can lead to better communication

• Similarities in race, class and religion in dating couples and friends (Hill, Rubin and Peplau 1976)

Task 2

• Read the case studies in pairs and write full written answers to the questions.

Plenary

• Think of 1 famous couple and 1 couple that are not.

• Why do you think these people got together?