Week 3 - Friendship and Romantic Relationships Flashcards
Adverse consequences of insufficient social interactions:
Answer:
Increased feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Higher risk of depression and anxiety disorders.
Reduced cognitive function and brain health.
Weakened immune system and poorer physical health.
Greater likelihood of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms or addictive behaviors.
Limited opportunities for personal growth and self-awareness.
Communal vs. Exchange Relationships:
Answer:
Communal relationships: Based on mutual concern for the well-being of the other person. Each individual gives and receives support without expecting an equal return.
Exchange relationships: Transactional in nature, where individuals give and receive with the expectation of receiving something of equal or greater value in return. The interactions are guided by a sense of fairness and reciprocity.
Factors leading to interpersonal attraction:
Answer:
Similarity: People are attracted to others who share similar attitudes, beliefs, values, and interests.
Proximity: Physical closeness or frequent interaction increases the likelihood of attraction.
Physical attractiveness: Aesthetic appeal plays a significant role in initial attraction.
Reciprocal liking: Knowing that someone likes us often increases our attraction to them.
Familiarity: People tend to be attracted to those they are familiar with or have regular exposure to.
Matching hypothesis summary:
Answer:
The matching hypothesis suggests that people are more likely to form successful and enduring romantic relationships with partners who are equally socially desirable.
This theory proposes that individuals seek partners who match their own level of physical attractiveness and other attributes, such as intelligence or social status.
The matching hypothesis implies that individuals are realistic in their mate preferences, aiming for partners who they perceive as being within their own league in terms of attractiveness and other desirable traits.
Sternberg’s theory of romantic love summary:
Answer:
Sternberg’s triangular theory of love proposes that love consists of three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Intimacy refers to feelings of closeness, connectedness, and emotional support between partners.
Passion involves the intense physical and emotional attraction experienced in a romantic relationship.
Commitment is the decision to maintain the relationship over time, despite challenges or obstacles.
According to Sternberg, different combinations of these three components result in different types of love, such as consummate love (all three components present), romantic love (intimacy and passion), companionate love (intimacy and commitment), and so on.
Features perceived as physically attractive:
Answer:
Symmetry: Facial and body symmetry are often associated with attractiveness.
Facial features: Clear skin, proportionate features, and average-sized eyes, nose, and lips are generally perceived as attractive.
Body proportions: An hourglass figure in females and a V-shaped torso in males are commonly seen as attractive.
Health indicators: Features such as clear skin, shiny hair, and bright eyes are associated with good health and therefore attractiveness.
Cultural influences: Standards of beauty vary across cultures but often include elements of symmetry and health
