Cognitive Approach Relationship formation

Question 1

Describe how ‘schemas’ be applied to relationship formation? (H)

Answer 1

Halo effect

Dion et al (1972) demonstrated that people believe that physically attractive people have attractive qualities.

If we perceive someone as attractive, we are likely to perceive them to have good qualities, hence be interested in forming a relationship.

Question 2

Describe how ‘schemas’ be applied to relationship formation? (M)

Answer 2

Matching hypothesis

Self-schemas govern how we feel about our selves.

How we perceive ourselves in physical attractiveness influences who we engage with romantically. We find those we match us in attraction.

High self concept means more likely to approach more attractive people, and vice versa, due to reduced fear of rejection