Behavioural Approach: Explain relationship formation (5 marks)

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Behavioural Approach: Explain relationship formation (5 marks)

Reinforcement Affect Model (Byrne & Clore 1971)

We are motivated to form a relationship with anyone that makes us feel good OR that we associate with feeling good

Operant conditioning:

Positive Reinforcement (Rewards)

Free stuff

Company

Self esteem boost

Negative Reinforcement

Relieved of feeling lonely / bored

Being with someone who understands us makes us happy

How classical conditioning applies (Association)

If we are feeling good we will associate the neutral stimuli (people) with feeling good -> this makes us more motivated to form a relationship

Byrne and Clore's (1971) reinforcement affect model explains how relationships can be formed with regard to the behavioural approach. The model says that we are motivated to form a relationship with anyone that either makes us feel good or who we associate with feeling good. Both positive and negative reinforcement can motivate us to form relationships. An example of positive reinforcement may be having company. An example of negative reinforcement is being relieved of feeling lonely or bored. Meanwhile, being around somebody that gives us a self esteem boost is an example of operant conditioning as it is a reward (similar to positive reinforcement). in addition to this, If we are generally feeling good we may associate the neutral stimuli (people around us) with feeling good, this is an example of classical conditioning.

Basically:

Byrne + Clore (1971)

Reinforcement affect model

Anyone who makes us feel good / who we associate with feeling good

Positive = Company & Negative = Relieved of bad feelings

Operant = reward, self esteem boost & Classical = feeling good association