Chapter 9 Flashcards
Relationships and Attraction
Communal relationship
A relationship in which the individuals feel a special responsibility for one another and give and receive according to the principle of need. Such relationships are often long term
Exchange relationship
A relationship in which individuals feel little responsibility toward one another; giving and receiving are governed by concerns about equity and reciprocity. Such relationships are usually short term
Social exchange theory
A theory based on the idea that how people feel about a relationship depends on their assessments of its costs and rewards
Comparison level
Expectations people have about what they should get out of a relationship
Comparison level for alternatives
Expectations people have about what they can get out of available alternative relationships
Equity theory
The idea that people are motivated to pursue fairness, or equity, in their relationships. A relationship is considered equitable when the ratio of rewards to costs is similar for both partners
Attachment theory
The idea that early attachments with parents and other caregivers can shape relationships for a person’s whole life
Anxiety dimension of attachment
A facet of attachment that captures the degree to which a person is worried about rejection and abandonment by relationship partners
Avoidance dimension of attachment
A facet of attachment that captures the degree to which a person is comfortable with intimacy and dependence on relationship partners
Functional distance
The influence of physical layout that encourages or inhibits certain activities, including contact between people
Mere exposure effect
The idea that repeated exposure to a stimulus, such as an object or a person, leads to greater liking of the stimulus
Complementarity
The tendency for people to seek out others with characteristics that are different from, and that complement, their own
Halo effect
The common belief (accurate or not) that attractive individuals possess a host of positive qualities beyond their physical appearance
Reproductive fitness
The capacity to pass one’s genes on to subsequent generations
Investment model of commitment
A model of interpersonal relationships maintains there are three determinants that make partners more committed to each other: relationship satisfaction, few alternative partners, and investment in the relationship
Perceived partner responsiveness
The degree to which people perceive their partners as being understanding, validating, and responsive to their needs
