Relationships (definitions)

Question 1

The halo effect

Answer 1

The tendency to attribute positive character traits (such as intelligence and kindness) to physically attractive people

Question 2

Neotenous features

Answer 2

Baby-like features including large eyes, a delicate chin, and a small nose, which trigger protective instincts

Question 3

The matching hypothesis

Answer 3

The claim that we are attracted to people who approximately ‘match’ us in physical attractiveness

Question 4

Self disclosure

Answer 4

Gradually and systematically revealing personal information about yourself (including preferences, hopes, interests, and beliefs) to a romantic partner

Question 5

Social penetration theory

Answer 5

The claim that romantic relationships progress through mutual self-disclosure, which increases understanding and trust

Question 6

Breadth of self disclosure

Answer 6

The range of topics available for discussion, dependent on the stage of the relationship (from age and hobbies to religion and children)

Question 7

Depth of self disclosure

Answer 7

The intensity of information revealed, dependent on the stage of the relationship (from likes and dislikes to painful memories and strongly-held beliefs)

Question 8

Reciprocity of self disclosure

Answer 8

A key feature of successful self disclosure is that it is reciprocated; self disclosure from one person is met with self disclosure from the other, making the relationship deeper and more intimate

Question 9

Filter theory

Answer 9

A theory of the process by which we limit our ‘field of availables’ to a ‘field of desirables’

Question 10

Social demography

Answer 10

The 1st level of the filter, where you filter out potential partners who differ too much in geographical location, social class, education level, ethnic group, religion etc

Question 11

Similarity of attitudes

Answer 11

The 2nd level of the filter, where you filter out potential partners who do not share your important beliefs and values

Question 12

Complementarity

Answer 12

The 3rd level of the filter, where you filter out potential partners who do not ‘complement’ your character, i.e. have traits which you lack

Question 13

Social exchange theory

Answer 13

A theory of how relationships form and develop, modelling relationships as series of transactions in which each partner aims to maximise their gains and minimise their losses.

Question 14

Comparison level

Answer 14

The amount of reward you think you deserve from a relationship, based on previous relationships, social norms, and self-esteem

Question 15

Comparison level for alternatives

Answer 15

Whether you think you could gain greater rewards and fewer costs in a different relationship, based on the quality of your current relationship

Question 16

Equity theory

Answer 16

A theory of the development of romantic relationships which claims that successful relationships will involve each partner having a fair ratio of costs to rewards, not necessarily the most rewards

Question 17

Benevolents

Answer 17

Individuals who are prepared to put in more to a relationship than they get out

Question 18

Entitleds

Answer 18

Individuals who believe they should get more out of a relationship than they put in, without feeling guilty

Question 19

Satisfaction

Answer 19

The extent to which romantic partners feel the benefits of their relationship exceed the costs

Question 20

Rusbult’s investment model

Answer 20

A theory of the development of romantic relationships which claims that commitment depends on satisfaction, CLalts, and investment

Question 21

Intrinsic investments

Answer 21

Resources we put directly into a relationship e.g. money (tangible) and energy (intangible)

Question 22

Extrinsic investments

Answer 22

Resources that come to feature in a relationship during its course e.g. children (tangible) and shared memories (intangible)

Question 23

Accomodation

Answer 23

Acting to promote the relationship

Question 24

Willingness to sacrifice

Answer 24

Putting a partner’s interests first

Question 25

Forgiveness

Answer 25

Forgiving a partner for serious transgressions

Question 26

Positive illusions

Answer 26

Unrealistic positive regard for a partner

Question 27

Ridiculing alternatives

Answer 27

Negative perceptions of alternatives and other relationships

Question 28

Commitment

Answer 28

A romantic partner’s desire to continue a relationship, reflecting that they believe it to have long-term potential

Question 29

Relationship maintenance mechanisms

Answer 29

Commitment expressed in everyday behaviours

Question 30

Intra-psychic phase

Answer 30

The dissatisfied partner internally broods over the reasons for their dissatisfaction, keeping their thoughts to themselves or sharing them with a close friend.

Question 31

Dyadic phase

Answer 31

The couple airs and discusses their dissatisfaction through a series of confrontations, characterised by anger, hostility, and resentment. At this point they either decide to fix the relationship, or continue the breakup.

Question 32

Social phase

Answer 32

The breakup is made public and each partner seeks support. Friends input gossip, encouragement, reassurance, judgement, and information.

Question 33

Grave-dressing phase

Answer 33

Both partners aim to create a favourable account of the breakup for both public (including future partners) consumption, and private closure.

Question 34

Sexual selection

Answer 34

An evolutionary process in which characteristics that increase reproductive success (though may appear disadvantageous) are passed on and may become exaggerated over generations

Question 35

Human reproductive behaviour

Answer 35

Behaviour relating to opportunities to reproduce and pass on genes, including mate choice and mate competition

Question 36

The sexy sons hypothesis

Answer 36

A female will mate with a male with desirable characteristics, which will be passed on to their son, increasing his chance of reproductive success and the chance that these characteristics will continue to be passed on.

Question 37

The runaway process

Answer 37

A desirable male characteristic will be chosen by a female and passed on. Over generations female preference for the characteristic will increase, and hence so will the frequency of this characteristic.

Question 38

Entertainment-social level

Answer 38

Least intense parasocial relationship: celebrities are a source of entertainment and fuel for social interaction

Question 39

Intense-personal level

Answer 39

Intermediate parasocial relationship: having a greater personal involvement with a celebrity, including obsessing over them

Question 40

Borderline pathological

Answer 40

Most intense parasocial relationship: completely worshipping a celebrity, having uncontrollable fantasies and acting extremely

Question 41

Absorption

Answer 41

The individual focuses all their attention on the celebrity, becoming pre-occupied by their existence

Question 42

Addiction

Answer 42

The individual needs to feel a stronger and closer involvement with the celebrity to feel satisfied (like with a drug addiction)

Question 43

Parasocial relationship

Answer 43

A relationship resembling a normal relationship, but that is one-sided and unreciprocated between a celebrity and a fan.

Question 44

Boom and bust phenomenon

Answer 44

CMC relationships tend to begin and end more quickly that FtF ones as self-disclosure happens earlier, but the level of interaction isn’t matched by the level of trust.

Question 45

Selective self-presentation

Answer 45

In online communication, the individual has more time to manipulate their messages to control what they disclose and what cues they send

Question 46

Gate

Answer 46

Any factor which is an obstacle to the formation of a relationship