Love and relationships

Question 1

The role of physical attractiveness is what in terms of a relationship? (brief)

Answer 1

Factor affecting attraction

Question 2

Why is physical attractiveness important in a relationship -

Answer 2

Research has found that the role of genetic fitness and symmetrical faces, people are also more attracted to a person with neotenous (baby-face), with widely spread eyes, a delicate chin and small nose. Attractiveness is not only important at the start of relationships McNulty et al found evidence for initial attraction that brought the 2 together continued to be an important feature for at least 7 years after marriage.

Question 3

Physical attractiveness definition -

Answer 3

An important factor in the formation of romantic relationships, term usually specifically we focus on the individuals face and how appealing we find it along with other physical features.

Question 4

The matching hypothesis definition -

Answer 4

Attracted to the people who are most similar to ourselves in levels of attraction, we take into account out own attractiveness value when seeking a partner.

Question 5

The matching hypothesis in explaining relationships -

Answer 5

Murstein argued although we may desire the most attractive person, common-sense tells us we are most likely not to keep them. Our choice of partner is seen as a compromise, we desire the most physically attractive person but we balance this against the fear of rejection from others.

Question 6

The role of self-disclosure is an example of? (brief)

Answer 6

Factor affecting attraction

Question 7

What is self disclosure definition -

Answer 7

When a person shares/reveals intimate personal information about themselves to another person.

Question 8

What has levels of self disclosure found from research -

Answer 8

Important in the development of relationships, with greater levels of disclosure leading to greater feelings of intimacy. It has also shown the level of intimacy with the partner was a better predictor of liking and loving than the levels of self-disclosure given.

Question 9

There are different types of self-disclosure -

Answer 9

There is not a direct relationship between the level of self disclosure and relationships satisfaction, as one may disclose different things. Sprecher found that disclosure for example experiences of personal disappointments and personal accomplishments and info about previous sexual relationships led to a greater influence on relationship on relationship satisfaction, than more ‘neutral’ types of self disclosure.

Question 10

Norms of self disclosure -

Answer 10

There are norms of self disclosure which apply to a certain point in a relationship. For example in a first encounter individuals should only engage in a moderate level of self-disclosure research has suggested that these types of self-disclosure should be neither so personal so it doesn’t seem abnormal or so and shouldn’t be so impersonal that the other person doesn’t know how to disclose themselves.

Question 11

Filter theory is (brief) -

Answer 11

Factor affecting attraction

Question 12

The filter theory summary -

Answer 12

• Relationships develop through 3 filters and that different factors are important a different times. The three filters include social demography, similarity in attitudes and values and complementarity of needs.

Question 13

Social demography stage 1 of filter theory -

Answer 13

Refers to variables such as age, geographical location, ethnicity and social, economic and educational background, often exerts influence without us really considering it as we are most likely to mix with those who are geographically closer to us and come from a similar educational, cultural and economic background. This group of people is referred to as the field of availables. We are most likely to find those similar to our demographic backgrounds tend to be more attractive and we tend to filter out the ones who aren’t close to our background.

Question 14

Similarity in attitudes stage 2 of filter theory -

Answer 14

These partners when going out will most likely share importantly similar values and beliefs because the field of availables has has been narrowed to the first filter and these people tend to have social and cultural characteristics in common. With these similarities in common the relationship is seen to progress much more. This encourages a greater and deeper communication and promotes self disclosure.

Question 15

Complementarity of needs stage 3 in filter theory -

Answer 15

This refers to how well 2 people fit as a couple and meet the needs of each other. Refers to the process of the relationship flourishing. Need for your partner to balance traits with opposite ones of your own.

Question 16

All economic theories include -

Answer 16

Social exchange theory, Rusbult’s investment model, Equity theory

Question 17

Social exchange theory definition -

Answer 17

The likelihood of a person staying in a relationship is determined by an assessment of what they get out of a relationship compared to what they put in.

Question 18

Thibault and Kelley assumptions of the social exchange theory - 1. profits

Answer 18

1. Relationships are evaluated in terms of profits.

Where rewards - cost = profit.
When a relationship is providing rewards which outweigh costs (therefore positives over negatives) is it is said to be in a state of profit. Vice versa.

Question 19

Thibault and Kelley assumptions of the social exchange theory - 2 comparison of other relationships

Answer 19

Our level of profitability and satisfaction is deemed from the previous experience.

How satisfied individuals are will depend on what they have come to expect in a relationship based on previous partners therefore they make a comparison and this is known as the comparison level.

If individual experiences poor relationship satisfaction then they will expect less and therefore the expectance of profits in total will be substantially less.

Comparison level of alternatives considers the rewards and costs of being in an alternative relationship other than the one they are in.

Question 20

Thibault and Kelley assumptions of the social exchange theory - Development

Answer 20

They suggested SET shows 4 stages through which relationships develop -

Sampling stage - we explore the rewards and costs by experimenting with them
Bargaining stage - Marks the beginning of the relationship where they begin exchanging various rewards and costs and negotiating what is most profitable.

Question 21

Equity theory definition -

Answer 21

People will be most satisfied in a relationship if what they put into a relationship (Costs) is roughly equal to what they get out (Benefits)

Question 22

Differing between equity and social exchange theory -

Answer 22

Equity theory argues that while we weigh up costs and benefits in a relationship, we have an expectation that these relationships should be fair. Whilst, SET suggests that we look to maximise benefits and minimise costs.

Question 23

Equity theory suggests in a couple -

Answer 23

Both partners level of profit should be roughly the same.

Question 24

Equity is not the same as fairness -

Answer 24

Where the level of costs and rewards don’t have to be the same for each partner in terms of what is defined as a reward or cost.

Question 25

Inequity in a relationship results in dissatisfaction -

Answer 25

If people feel over-benefited in a relationship they may feel guilt and being under-benefited may result in sadness or anger. The greater the inequity the greater the dissatisfaction.

Question 26

Dealing with inequity -

Answer 26

If people perceive inequity in a relationship, there are a number of things people can do, by urging their partners to engage in more costs than benefits and if they cannot achieve equity or perceived equity then they can just leave the relationship.

Question 27

Investment model was developed by?

Answer 27

Rusbult

Question 28

The investment model definition -

Answer 28

Individuals level of commitment to their relationship depends on 3 factors - satisfaction, quality of alternatives and level of investment.

Question 29

Satisfaction in the investment model - (Id)

Answer 29

Refers to the positive and negative experiencers within the relationship and whether the to the extent to the other person fulfils to person needs. (gratifies the others important needs).

Question 30

Quality of alternatives in the investment model -

Answer 30

Their commitment to the relationship is much more likely if the quality of alternatives is worse, if a person perceives that an attractive alternative exists, they may be tempted to explore alternatives outside their current relationship.

Question 31

Level of investment in the investment model -

Answer 31

This refers to anything a person puts into a relationship that may be lost if they leave, this may include a network of friends or even a child or these factors act as barriers which determine whether a person may stay or leave a relationship.

Question 32

Ducks proposed?

Answer 32

Model of relationship breakdown, not one event but a series of events.

Question 33

1. Intra-psychic phase -

Answer 33

Cognitive processes occurring within the individual and they brood on the current dissatisfaction occurs privately.

Question 34

2. Dyadic phase -

Answer 34

• Talks about the relationship with another
• Discusses their feelings with the partner and the future of the relationship

Question 35

3. Social phase -

Answer 35

• Seek support from 3rd parties and look for a sympathetic audience
• Intention to break-up is public and may be blamed on the other

Question 36

4. Grave-dressing -

Answer 36

• Recognition that the relationship is really over
• Create a narrative of where, when and how the relationship ended.
• Public distribution of an acceptance of the individuals parting ways

Question 37

Self disclosure in virtual relationships -

Answer 37

More likely to self disclose to people they will never see again.

Question 38

Gating in virtual relationships -

Answer 38

Gates - are barriers for less attractive people that make them harder to form relationships in real-life relationships, give examples like height.

Question 38

Absence of gating in virtual relationships -

Answer 38

Face to face interactions are said to be gated such features that can be involved in reducing the chances of a relationship forming. The absence of gating is said to happen in a virtual relationship as the focus on physical appearance is removed entirely therefore they can create an identity of themselves of whatever they desire without any attempts of gating ruining that.