exam 2 - relationship and attraction Flashcards
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 (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 (short term)
social exchange theory
how people feel about a relationship depends on their assessments of its costs and rewards
equity theory
people are motivated to pursue fairness, or equity, in their relationships (rewards to costs ratio is similar for both partners)
attachment theory
early attachments with parents and other caregivers can shape relationships for a person’s whole life
anxiety dimension of attachment
person who is worried about rejection and abandonment by relationship partners (undependent, unpredictable caregiver)
avoidance dimension of attachment
person is comfortable with intimacy and dependence on relationship partners (unavailable caretakers)
secure dimension of attachment
reliable caregiver
need to belong
biologically based, evolutionary benefits and universality of human relationships and the negative consequences that result from their absence
relationship of non-hetersexual/non-manogamy couples (in comparison to hetero couples)
-lesbian and gay male relationships follow similar trajectories as heterosexuals
-when non-manogamy relationships are consensual, they have similar outcomes as monogamous couples
propinquity effect
the more we see and interact with people, the more likely we are to start a relationship with them
contrast effect
if we are exposed to a very attractive person, we begin to view others (and even ourselves) as less attractive
mere exposure effect
tendency for novel stimuli to be liked more or rated more positively after being repeatedly exposed to a person
functional distance
the closeness between places in terms of interaction opportunities (friends in apartment buildings example)
psychological distance
perception of when an event occurs, where it occurs, to whom it occurs, and whether it occurs
matching hypothesis
tendency to choose as partners those who are a match in attractiveness and other qualities
maximization hypothesis
we seek the most attractive partners possible, leading to matching through process of elimination
equalization hypothesis
we seek partners who are about as attractive as we are
complementary hypothesis
tendancy for people to seek out others with characteristics that are different from, and that compliment their own
halo effect
the belief that physically attractive people have a wide range of positive characteristics
reciprocal liking
we like those who like us
Berscheid and walster’s 2 types of love
Passionate love and companionate love
passionate love
a state for intense longing for someone
companionate love
affection people feel for those with whom their lives are deeply connected but do not necessarily experience passion or arousal in their presence
behavioral theory
people learn from their interaction with their partners whether or not they are in a good relationship
4 horsemen of the [relationship] apocalypse
criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling
4 horsemen: criticism
attacking personality or character rather than focusing on specific behavior
4 horsemen: contempt
tearing down or insulting partner, disrespect and disgust, acting superior
4 horsemen: defensiveness
denying responsibility, making excuses, or cross-complaining
4 horsemen: stonewalling
refusal to respond - withdrawal from the conflict, relationship, and partner
