Interpersonal Relationships Psych 112 Lecture 5 2024 PDF

Interpersonal Relationships Proximity & Propinquity Emotional Arousal Physical Attractiveness Similarity Failed relationships  Proximity & Propinquity McKnight (1994) in an Australian sample found that 83% of people met their ‘special partner’ in a familiar social setting, 6% in a casu...

Interpersonal Relationships Proximity & Propinquity Emotional Arousal Physical Attractiveness Similarity Failed relationships  Proximity & Propinquity McKnight (1994) in an Australian sample found that 83% of people met their ‘special partner’ in a familiar social setting, 6% in a casual social setting. Byrne found that people tended to make friends with those whom they were seated beside alphabetically.  Why should proximity be so important? The mere exposure effect Zajonc: Repeated exposure to any stimulus makes it more appealing. The more people are exposed to faces, photos, languages and tunes the more they like them. Mita et al. (1977) claimed that if it was merely repeated exposure to a stimulus that enhanced our liking then we should prefer photos of our facial images as we see them in a mirror (ie. a reversed photo image). Our friends, however, should prefer a normal photo of our faces (since this, image is the one that they normally see). Results support this view, 70% of people prefer a photo of their own reversed mirror image, 70% of people, however, prefer the normal photo image of their friends. Reis (1997) proximity doesn’t always work. Personality differences, conflict of interests, value differences, status differentials can all lead to antagonism. If the initial interaction is negative and this experience is reinforced then dislike will occur.  Emotional Arousal Research indicates that people who are emotionally aroused rate others as more attractive. White et al. (1981) found that men who ran on the spot rated women as being more attractive. Dutton & Aaron (1974) people expecting electric shocks rated members of the opposite sex as being more attractive. Dutton & Aaron conducted a study in which men who crossed a deep ravine, by means of a narrow rope bridge, or a river, by means of a sturdy bridge, were met a female experimenter. Men asked to complete an ambiguous story about a woman, then invited to phone up if they wanted to know more about the study. Those who crossed the deep ravine on the narrow rope bridge were more likely to phone up and ask for a date.  Physical attractiveness Attractiveness is important when it comes to relationships. However people generally refuse to admit it openly. Wakil et al. (1973) found that out of 32 desirable traits for a partner men ranked physical appearance 12th, women ranked it 22nd. Other studies show that physical appearance is more important. Green, Buchanan & Heuer (1984) analysed computer dating services, which used photo matching. - for both sexes physical attractiveness was the major determining factor of date choice. Walster et al. used a dance to assess student’s reactions to their partners on a blind date. Tests measuring scholastic ability, personality and attitudes were presented to all. People rated for attractiveness by independent observers (on arrival). The results showed that the more attractive you were rated by the observers the more you were liked by your date.  Gender differences: Men - both heterosexual and gay focused on the physical attractiveness of potential partners. Women - both heterosexual and lesbian tended to focus on the psychological characteristics. Whipple (2018) showed 90% of men when approached by an attractive woman would agree to sex, only 10% of women when approached by an attractive man would agree to sex  Many benefits to attractiveness Adults less aggressive to attractive children. Attractive people are more likely to be hired for jobs. Attractive students are more likely to be given better grades. Ravin & Rubin (1983) studied decision- making process in casualty wards when people were brought in D.O.A.  Facial Features: Men prefer: childlike profile, big eyes, small nose and chin. Women prefer: expression of dominance, small eyes, square jaw, thrusting chin Torso: Men prefer: medium bust, hips waist and bottom Women prefer: V shaped man, broad shoulders which tapers into small bottom Age and height: Men prefer: younger, smaller women Women prefer: older, taller men  Cultural effects on beauty: Ingleby (1981) fat and diseased babies by western standards are considered beautiful in different cultures. The Ainu of Japan, Chukchi of Siberia, Thonga of Mozambique.  Similarity: Many studies shown that people tend to be attracted to others who are similar to t hemselves. The most important determinants are similarity of attitudes, values and activities Kandel (1978) best friends at high school resemble each other in terms of age, race and academic grades. Craddock (1990) married couples who shared the same egalitarian or religious beliefs were a lot happier.  Divorce rate 1 in 3 Women often initiate the end of relationships Women may feel more distressed in conflicted relationships Women better through: Divorce, Separation and Widowhood  Loneliness Lonely people can sometimes feel distressed, bored and even depressed. One effective way of coping is to make something valuable out of the solitude e.g. A hobby, work, studying. Rejection causes pain - low self-esteem - aggression  Summary Proximity & Propinquity Emotional Arousal Physical Attractiveness Similarity Failed relationships