Attraction and Intimacy Flashcards
6 ways intimate relationships enrich our lives
1) Positive health outcomes
2) Social support
3) Capitalization
4) “Michelangelo Effect”
5) Goal pursuit
6) Self-expansion
Capitalization
We take greater joy in a positive outcome when we can share it with close others
“Michaelangelo Effect”
We become more like our partner’s idealized view of ourselves
What factors influence our choice of close friends and partners?
1) Proximity
2) Physical attraction
3) Perceived similarity
Physically attractive people are more likely to…
Marry or remarry
Achieve good grades
Attain prestigious occupations
Get lighter sentences for crimes
“Halo effect”
Those who are physically attractive are seen as being more moral, kind, and smart
Why are attractive people seen as being more socially skilled?
History of positive social interactions
Why is baby-facedness seen as attractive among women? (evolutionary perspective)
Youth signifies fertility
Why is facial symmetry seen as attractive? (evolutionary perspective)
Linked to fertility because asymmetrical faces and bodies can be due to toxins in fetal development
Why is clear complexion and fair skin seen as attractive? (evolutionary perspective)
Clear skin signifies health which in turn signifies fertility
In 1871 Darwin wrote of an explore in Africa…
“Their ideas of beauty are on the whole the same as ours”
One difference among cultures is…
what the “beauty bias” means - what physical attractiveness is associated with
In independent cultures those who are perceived as physically attractive are seen as….
strong and independent
In interdependent cultures those who are perceived as physically attractive are seen as…
honest and modest
What is seen as beautiful is _____ across cultures, the stereotypes associated with beauty ____ among cultures.
similar, differs
“Romantic Red”
The colour red will lead men to view women as more attractive and sexually desirable
The “Romantic Red Effect” is NOT shown when…
The dependent measures are likability, intelligence, or kindness
What is the mechanism underlying the “Romantic Red Effect” for women?
Sexual receptivity - more open to sexual activity
What is the mechanism underlying the “Romantic Red Effect” for men?
Status - higher status = higher attractiveness
Research indicates that similarity ______ attraction and opposites ____ attract
increases, do not
Traditional social commodity theory
There is a difference in what men and women value and find attractive.
Men’s commodities: wealth & status
Women’s commodities: attractiveness
Traditional social commodity theory is based on ______ theory
evolutionary
Attachment theory
Predicts many aspects of relationship function
Strange situation: three main attachment types
1) Secure
2) Anxious/ ambivalent
3) Anxious/ avoidant
Attachment orientations are less likely to affect…
More likely to affect…
our everyday behaviour
us in times of stress and conflict
Researchers measure attachment within romantic relationships on two dimensions:
Anxiety and avoidance
High anxiety
Over dependence on partner for comfort and support. Fear rejection
High avoidance
Low trust, maintain distance, avoid negative emotional states
Why can attachment anxiety become a type of self-fulfilling prophecy?
Worry about rejection leads them to engage in bad behaviours than can result in rejection
Can attachment orientations change? (yes or no)
yes
Small gender difference on attachment orientations
Females scored higher in attachment anxiety and males scored higher in attachment avoidance
Commitment is also known as an ______
“internal pledge”
Commitment is more _____ than love and satisfaction. Therefore a better predictor of relationship longevity.
stable
Investment model
Commitment is predicted by satisfaction level, quality of alternatives and investment size. Commitment then predicts to stay vs leave
Satisfaction is determined by:
- Rewards (positive things)
- Costs (negative things)
- Comparison levels (is your relationship meeting your expectations of a relationship?)
Commitment is determined by:
- Satisfaction
- Alternatives
- Investments
