Factors Affecting Attraction

Question 1

What is self-disclosure?

Answer 1

• Self-disclosure is the revealing of personal information about oneself to another individual we like
• Best when reciprocal - Self-disclosure creates a sense of trust when the information disclosed is kept secret.

Question 2

What is the social penetration theory?

Answer 2

Altman & Taylor (1973)
-Gradual process of revealing your inner self to someone.
-In romantic relationships it involves the reciprocal exchange of information between partners.
-When you reveal, it displays trust, to go further the partner must also reveal sensitive information.
-You gain a greater understanding of each other.

Question 3

What is breadth of self disclosure?

Answer 3

At the start of the relationship we disclosure a lot of superficial ‘on the surface’ information.

Question 4

What is depth of self disclosure?

Answer 4

As the relationship develops, self-disclosure becomes deeper, more intimate and ‘high-risk’ information is shared.

Question 5

Reciprocity in self-disclosure theory?

Answer 5

Reis & Shaver (1988)
Disclosure must be reciprocal!
Once you have disclosed something that reveals your true self, hopefully your partner will respond in a way that is rewarding, with understanding, empathy, and their own intimate thoughts and feelings. This lead to a balance of self-disclosure between both partners, deepening the relationship.

Question 6

What traits do women look for in men?

Answer 6

Signs of wealth, resources, security and strength in men.

Question 7

What traits do men look for in women?

Answer 7

Signs of fertility in women. An hourglass figure is ideal (0.7 HWR).

Question 8

Symmetrical faces (Shackelford and Larsen)?

Answer 8

Symmetrical faces are more attractive as it’s a sign of good genes

Question 9

Neotenous faces (baby face)?

Answer 9

• Widely separated large eyes, small chin and nose
• Triggers a caring instinct

Question 10

The halo effect?

Answer 10

If something looks good on the outside, we assume all characteristics are good!

Question 11

What is the matching hypothesis?

Answer 11

We are more likely to be attracted to people who are of similar physical attractiveness to ourselves

Question 12

Kerchkoff and Davies (1962)

Answer 12

Theorised that our choices of mates are limited by several factors. These factors ‘filter’ down potential mates available to us.

Question 13

What are the three main filters in filter theory?

Answer 13

1. Social demography
2. Similarity in attitudes
3. Complementarity

Question 14

What is similarity of social demographic in filter theory?

Answer 14

We’re more likely to be attracted to individuals with similar demographics to us:
1. Where we live
2. Where we work
3. Same place of education
4. Any religious groups, gym members or other social circles

Question 15

What is similarity of attitudes in filter theory?

Answer 15

We’re more likely to meet people with similar attitudes and beliefs. E.g.,
1. You meet someone at a protest march for animal rights
2. You meet someone at church

Question 16

What is complementarity in filter theory?

Answer 16

Focus here is on how much the individual meets their partners needs, especially emotional ones.
Very important for moving past the initial stages of a relationship into deeper commitment.