Close relationships

Question 1

what did Langlois and Raggman, 1990 state about attractiveness

Answer 1

wide variation but strong consensus both within and between cultures in regard to perceptions of attractiveness

Question 2

examples and theories that agree that men look for physical cues to youth and fertility (3)

Answer 2

• facial femininity (Gangestad and Scheyd, 2005)
• linked to higher oestrogen levels (Schafer et al, 2006)
  (Young= increased fertility)

Question 3

What did Kendrick et al, 1996 state about mens desires of women?

Answer 3

What men desire is not youth per se, but features of women associated with reproductive value/ fertility

Question 4

why would women prefer men to be 3-4 years older? (Buss, 1993) (2)

Answer 4

• physical strength (peaks in late early- mid 30s)
• financial resources (40+)

Question 5

why would women prefer athletic prowess, strong physical appearance, health (2)

Answer 5

• unhealthy mate less likely to provide: food, healthcare, investment in child rearing
• women in developing countries will rate a potential partner’s health as more important than those in more developed c countries

Question 6

People tend to be attracted to others who are about the same level of physical attractiveness of themselves. What is apparent about these relationships?

Answer 6

Matched couples tend to have longer-lasting relationships

Question 7

who stated that people prefer faces that look like their own?

Answer 7

Little and Perrett, 2002

Question 8

similarity signals in-group membership (2)

Answer 8

• similarity encourages positive interaction over common interests, etc
• we view our own characteristics as desirable

Question 9

Similarity signals familiarity

Answer 9

familiarity leads to liking (mere exposure effect)

Question 10

similarity signals mastery

Answer 10

they are useful to us in dealing with the world, socially comparing, etc

Question 11

similarity signals connectedness

Answer 11

similar others validate our beliefs and attitudes

Question 12

interaction increases liking

Answer 12

people like people with whom they have positive interactions

Question 13

physical proximity (Festinger, Schachter and Back, 1950)

Answer 13

friendships from between people who live near each other

Question 14

liking, similarity, interaction and attractiveness: mutually reinforcing processes (5)

Answer 14

1. similarity encourages interaction
2. the more we interact with others, the more similarities we discover
3. the more we interact with someone, the more attractive that person appears to us, the more wed continue interacting with them
4. we find those who are similar to us to be more physically attractive, and the more people are, the more we earn to be like them
5. one liking develops, it feeds back on the other factors to develop and reinforce the connections

Question 15

exchange relationships

Answer 15

partners/friends exchange rewards: help each other towards the goal of life satisfaction

Question 16

sex differences in self-disclosure (2)

Answer 16

• women tend to disclose more than men , especially regarding feelings and emotions
• people from individualistic cultures tend to self-disclose more than those from collectivist cultures

Question 17

close relationships involve three types of interdependence:

Answer 17

• cognitive
• behavioural
• affective

Question 18

close relationships are characterised by strong and enduring interdependence: interdependence theory (Kelly and Thibaut, 1978) outline the theory (2)

Answer 18

• each partner’s thoughts, feelings, needs and behaviours influence the other
• in close relationships, partners experience a vast range of interdependent situations: cleaning the house, making financial decisions, caring for family members

Question 19

what is behavioural interdependence

Answer 19

each person has a great deal of influence on the partner’s decisions, activities and plans.
- prefer to do different activities but both want to do activity together: coordinate/cooperate

Question 20

what are people with secure attachment styles like?

Answer 20

unafraid of intimacy (and abandonment) are comfortable relying on their partner for support and acceptance

Question 21

what are people with preoccupied attachment styles like?

Answer 21

want relationships but are worried other do not

Question 22

what are people with dismissing attachment styles like?

Answer 22

are reluctant to get close to others because they want to feel independent and self-sufficient

Question 23

what are people with fearful attachment styles like?

Answer 23

are reluctant to get close to others because they find it difficult to trust others and they don’t want to be hurt (rejection sensitivity)

Question 24

Peplau and Fingerhut, 2007 looked into same-sex relationships, what similarities did they find when comparing to heterosexual relationships? (5)

Answer 24

• value placed on affection, dependability, shared interests, and similarity of religious beliefs
• satisfaction mostly driven by similar attitudes, values and backgrounds
• relationships from through proximity and familiarity
• the internet plays a key role in establishing new relationships
• commitment a strong predictor of success

Question 25

Peplau and Fingerhut, 2007 looked into same-sex relationships, what differences did they find when comparing to heterosexual relationships? (3)

Answer 25

• homosexual couples more likely to remain friends following breakup
• division of labour more equitable
• lesbian relationship more likely to originate from pre-existing friendships

Question 26

self-presentation in online dating profiles (Toma, Hancock, Ellison, 2008) what do people exaggerate about?

Answer 26

• men lie more about their height
• women lie more about their weight
• photographs manipulated
• status and income exaggerated

Question 27

exchange relationship

Answer 27

a relation in which people exchange rewards in order to receive benefits in return

Question 28

cost-reward ratio

Answer 28

tenet of social exchange theory, according to which liking for another is determined by calculating what it will cost to be reinforced by the other individual

Question 29

communal relationship

Answer 29

a relationship in which people reward their partner out. of direct concern and to show caring

Question 30

interdependence

Answer 30

a situation in which each person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours influence those of other people

Question 31

close relationships

Answer 31

a relationship involving strong and frequent interdependence in many domains of life

Question 32

intimacy

Answer 32

a positive emotional bond that includes understanding and support

Question 33

commitment

Answer 33

the combined forces that hold the partners together in an enduring relationship

Question 34

attachment styles

Answer 34

people’s basic securely attached, avoidant, or anxious orientation toward others in close relationships

Question 35

social support

Answer 35

emotional and physical coping resources provided by other people