Close Relationships

Question 1

How do relationships develop?

Answer 1

• Social Penetration theory (Altman & Taylor)
  self-disclosure/vulnerabilities, share intimacy
• Compare gender differences

Question 2

Relationships and the self

Answer 2

• self-expansion model

- michelangelo phenomenon

Question 3

Social exchange theory (Thibaut & Kelley)

Answer 3

• minimax principle (outcome = rewards-cost)
• what to do about conflicts of interest?
  1. equality
  2. needs
  3. equity

Question 4

Communality

Answer 4

• Exchange relationships

- communal relationships

Question 5

characteristics of interdependent relationships

Answer 5

1. frequent interaction over a long period of time
2. many different kinds of activities
3. strong mutual influence
4. emotion intensity and interdependence

Question 6

Relational maintenance 1:

Accomodation and forgiveness

Answer 6

responses can be: active or passive, positive or negative

Reflexive: exit and neglect
Reflective: voice and loyalty

Question 7

Relational maintenance 2:

The 4 horsemen of the apocalypse

Answer 7

1. criticism
2. contempt
3. defensiveness
4. stonewalling

Question 8

Definition of self-expansion model

Answer 8

• changes to
• people’s identities, resources and perspectives that occurs in relationships;
• including other people’s attributes in our own self-concept

Question 9

process of Michelangelo phenomenon

congruent or discongruent

Answer 9

1. partner perceptual affirmation
2. partner behavioral affirmation
3. own target movement towards ideal self (leading to enhanced personal and couple well-being)

Question 10

Explain how social behaviour comes about using the social exchange theory

Answer 10

social behaviour is the result of an exchange process

Question 11

investment model of commitment

Answer 11

• outcome = rewards-cost

- satisfaction = outcome - CL (CL: comparison level: the threshold above which an outcome seems attractive)