Chapter 9 Attraction and Close Relationships

Question 1

The Need to Belong

Answer 1

The desire to form social relationships is fundamental

Question 2

Loneliness

Answer 2

Occurs when there is a discrepancy between the level of contact one has and the level one wants

Question 3

The 4 main factors of Attraction:

Answer 3

1. Proximity
2. Similarity
3. Reciprocity
4. Physical Attractiveness

Question 4

Proximity

Answer 4

The people with whom you interact with most often are most likely to become your friends/romantic partners

Question 5

Mere exposure effect

Answer 5

The phenomenon whereby the more often people are exposed to a stimulus, the more positively they evaluate the stimulus

Question 6

Similarity

Answer 6

Shared interests/backgrounds
Similarity in attitudes, personality, appearance

Question 7

Why does similarity influence attraction?

Answer 7

• Facilitates smooth interactions (less conflicts of interest)
• Similar others have qualities we like

Question 8

Reciprocity

Answer 8

We like people who like us

Question 9

Self-fulfilling prophecy

Answer 9

If we believe another person likes us, we behave in more likeable ways

Question 10

Four theories of close relationships:

Answer 10

1. Triangular Love theory
2. Evolutionary theory
3. Attachment theory
4. Social Exchange theory/ Investment Model

Question 11

Steinberg’s 3 components of Love:

Answer 11

1. Passion
2. Intimacy
3. Commitment

Question 12

Passion

Answer 12

Motivational component
- romance, sexual attraction, desire

Question 13

Intimacy

Answer 13

Emotional component
- bondedness, warmth, sharing

Question 14

Commitment

Answer 14

Cognitive component
- conscious decision for relationship

Question 15

Attachment theory

Answer 15

Argues that our behaviour in adult relationships is based on our experiences with parents and caregivers

Question 16

Attachment style

Answer 16

The way a person typically interacts with significant others

Question 17

The three Attachment Styles:

Answer 17

1. Secure
2. Avoidant
3. Anxious/ Ambivalent

Question 18

Secure Attachment

Answer 18

• Responsive caregivers
• Trusting; high satisfaction and commitment
• View self as worthy

Question 19

Avoidant Attachment

Answer 19

• Aloof and distant caregivers; reject intimacy
• Desire intimacy but know it will be rejected
• Fear rejection; difficulty developing relationships

Question 20

Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment

Answer 20

• Inconsistent and overbearing caregivers
• Anxious; cannot predict how a caregiver will respond
  -More short-term relationships

Question 21

Social Exchange Theory

Answer 21

A perspective that views people as motivated to maximize benefits and minimize costs in their relationships with others

Question 22

matching hypothesis

Answer 22

The proposition that people are attracted to others who are similar in physical attractiveness

Question 23

What-is-beautiful-is-good stereotype

Answer 23

The belief that physically attractive individuals also possess desirable personality characteristics

Question 24

4 types of behaviour that occur in troubled relationships

Answer 24

1. Destructive active
2. Destructive passive
3. Constructive active
4. Constructive passive

Question 25

Destructive behaviours

Answer 25

Active: harming the relationship
e.g. abusing partner, threatening to break up

Passive: allowing the relationship to deteriorate
e.g. refusing to deal with problems, ignoring

Question 26

Constructive behaviours

Answer 26

Active: trying to improve relationship
e.g. discussing problems, trying to change

Passive: remaining loyal to the relationship
e.g. wanting/hoping the relationship will improve

Question 27

Phases of breaking up

Answer 27

1. Interpersonal
2. Dyadic
3. Social
4. Intrapersonal

Question 28

Interpersonal phase

Answer 28

• personally assess quality of relationship and consider breaking up

Question 29

Dyadic phase

Answer 29

• confront partner
  -try to fix relationship

Question 30

Social phase

Answer 30

• Negotiate post-break-up status with partner
• create blame placing stories

Question 31

Intrapersonal phase

Answer 31

• Engage in “moving on”
• Publicly distribute break up story