Relationships

What this unit covers

The Relationships unit sits in the Social Psychology strand of Psychology. The resources follow the shape of an A-level style course, and some also mention IB. They move through formation, maintenance and breakdown of romantic relationships, then on to evolutionary ideas and the influence of childhood and culture.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map Theories of Romantic Relationships. It sets out Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory and the Investment Model side by side. Then open the mind map UNIT 3 RELATIONSHIPS (PART A), which covers the matching hypothesis and the reward/need satisfaction model.

1. Read the overview maps to see the whole unit.
2. Move to the slides on formation, maintenance and breakdown of relationships for fuller explanations.
3. Use the flashcards on relationship research to learn studies such as Kerckhoff and Davis and Byrne and Clore.

Going deeper

For evolutionary topics, try the mind map Sexual Selection. It separates inter and intrasexual selection and short and long term mating preferences. The slides on sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour add points on physical attractiveness, body symmetry and waist-to-hip ratio. For breakdown, the mind map The Breakdown Model (Rollie & Duck 2006) walks through its stages, from breakdown to resurrection processes.

There are also notes on cultural influences, parental investment and the influence of childhood attachments on adult relationships. These are handy when you want to practise essay-style answers.

Using quizzes and maps together

Study a map first, then take a quiz on the same topic. The quiz Reasons for relationship breakdown pairs well with the breakdown maps, and Buss AO1 revision suits the sexual selection material. Check any answers you missed against the map, then note them down.

Next step

Choose one theory today, work through its map and a quiz, and see which parts need another look. When you are ready, you can build a set of your own.