Psychology of Love: Theories and Types

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Questions and Answers

What is one component of behavioral reinforcement theory of love?

We tend to bond with individuals we find physically appealing.

We are attracted to people that challenge us.

We are attracted to people that make us feel good. (correct)

We prefer partners who share similar hobbies.

Which of the following reflects the concept of physiological arousal in love?

Attraction is solely based on physical appearance.

Bonding chemicals decrease with commitment.

Increased heart rate is associated with feelings of attraction. (correct)

Arousal has no impact on romantic feelings.

How does evolutionary theory explain the concept of love?

All species thrive on monogamous relationships.

Love is simply a social construct with no biological basis.

Love is a learned behavior from childhood experiences.

Love allows for greater chances of gene reproduction and survival. (correct)

Which of the following describes a potential positive experience in non-committed relationships?

More freedom to explore personal interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of cohabitation?

Increased likelihood of arguments due to space issues. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes consensual non-monogamy from non-consensual non-monogamy?

All parties in consensual non-monogamy agree to the structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment style developed in childhood is likely to create relational challenges in adulthood?

Both A and C. Signup and view all the answers

How have dating apps and communication technologies impacted romantic relationships?

Led to more casual communication patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason most women seek abortions?

They cannot afford a baby at the moment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a medication used in a medication abortion?

Mifepristone Signup and view all the answers

What procedure can typically be performed until 16 weeks of pregnancy?

Vacuum aspiration Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct definition of sexual coercion?

Pressure to influence agreement to sexual activity Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is most likely to experience sexual violence?

LGBTQ+ people Signup and view all the answers

What phase of pregnancy does a medication abortion typically allow termination?

Up to 10 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Title IX legislation in relation to colleges?

Prohibiting sex discrimination in educational programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age demographic of individuals seeking abortions?

Women in their 20s Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for any non-consensual sexual activity?

Sexual assault Signup and view all the answers

Which group is considered least likely to report sexual violence to the police?

Men Signup and view all the answers

What defines obscenity in legal terms?

Appeal to prurient interest and lack serious value Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of sex trafficking?

Illegally transporting individuals for sexual exploitation Signup and view all the answers

Which action is common among individuals who have experienced sexual violence?

Taking no action at all Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Love: Forms and Measures

Lee's typology of love identifies various styles of love, each with distinct characteristics.
Sternberg's typology of love describes love as having three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Theories of love include behavioral reinforcement (attraction to positive experiences), physiological arousal (link between arousal and attraction), cognitive (commitment's link to bonding chemicals), and evolutionary (maximizing gene transmission).

Origins of Love

Behavioral reinforcement theory posits that we are drawn to people who bring us positive feelings.
Physiological arousal theory suggests we associate arousal with attraction (increased heart rate, cortisol, etc).
Cognitive theories connect commitment to increased bonding chemicals like oxytocin and vasopressin.
Evolutionary theory proposes that species develop traits leading to maximum reproduction and survival chances.

Love from Childhood to Maturity

Early attachment styles significantly influence adult relationship patterns.

Dating and Committed Relationships

Dating apps and online communication have altered romantic and sexual relationships, leading to a shift from in-person interaction to more casual online communication.
Non-committed sexual relationships can offer freedom and casualness but also present potential negative experiences like unclear agreements, jealousy, confusion, and poor communication.
Cohabitation offers advantages (shared living spaces, bills) but also involves potential disadvantages (reduced personal space, increased arguments).
Consensual non-monogamy involves all partners agreeing to a non-monogamous relationship structure.
Non-consensual non-monogamy involves non-agreement from all parties (e.g., infidelity).

Divorce

Divorce rates have fluctuated over time, presenting varying trends.

Abortion

State laws regulate abortion procedures.
Abortion is generally legal until late second trimester, potentially throughout the third trimester under specific circumstances.
Specific restrictions may apply (public funding limitations, parental consent for minors).
Access to abortion clinics varies regionally in the US.
Factors driving abortion decisions include significant life changes or financial constraints.
Typical characteristics of abortion seekers in the US include being in their 20s, already parents, and from lower-income backgrounds; often using contraception.

Abortion Procedures

Medication abortion (up to 10 weeks): involves mifepristone (terminates pregnancy) and misoprostol (empties uterus).
Vacuum aspiration (first trimester): utilizing sedation and local anesthesia, this involves opening the cervix to remove uterine contents via vacuum.
Dilation and evacuation/curettage (second trimester): performed until viability; involves dilation of the cervix (potentially over 12-24 hours) and removing uterine contents by forceps, curettage, or suction.

Sexual Violence

Sexual Assault encompasses various non-consensual sexual acts.
Rape involves non consensual penetration.
Sexual coercion involves pressure to engage in sexual activity through various means.
Rape myths often circulate, with assumptions about victim behavior, reporting frequency and potential false reports.
Cultural factors influence sexual violence rates.

Demographics of Sexual Violence

Several groups face higher risks of sexual violence, including LGBTQ+ people, trans/nonbinary individuals, young people, individuals with disabilities, and sex workers.
Gender roles frequently impact a survivor's willingness/ability to report violence.

Male Victims of Sexual Violence

Men can be victims of sexual violence.
Gender norms can impede reporting.

Coping Strategies

There are steps individuals can take after experiencing sexual violence.

Erotic Representations

Pornography lacks artistic merit, focusing solely on sexuality.
Erotica possesses artistic merit.
Obscenity lacks artistic value, appeals to prurient interests, and offends community standards.
Courts define pornography and obscenity based on local standards and lack of artistic merit.
Research findings regarding pornography's relationship to sexual assault rates are inconclusive, despite potential correlation with increased violence rates in communities with more explicit media.

Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking involves the illegal transport of individuals for sexual exploitation.
Vulnerable populations (poverty, unstable housing, trauma, addiction, immigrant/color, LGBTQ+ status) face higher risks.

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Description

Explore the different theories and typologies of love, from Lee's styles to Sternberg's components of intimacy, passion, and commitment. Understand how behavioral, physiological, cognitive, and evolutionary aspects contribute to our experience of love from childhood into maturity.