Factors affecting attraction

Factors affecting attraction

1. SELF DISCLOSURE

   • Altman and Taylor (1973)- Social Penetration theory of how relationships develop. Involves the reciprocal exchange of information = Displays trust. As they disclose more, partners penetrate their partners lives.
     • Breadth= at the start, reveal superficial information- low risk information. Some topics are off limits due to some information being 'too much'. Depth= reveal true self. Prepared to reveal intimate, high risk information.
     • Reciprocity of self-disclosure= Reis and Shaver (1988) for a relationship to develop, there needs to be a reciprocal element to disclosure. Disclosure= respond with understanding and empathy- also their own intimate feelings. Theres a balance.
   • EVALUATION
     • Support= Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) studied heterosexual couples and found strong correlations between several measures of satisfaction and self disclosure.
       • Problems with correlational findings= cause and effect cannot be established as you cannot be certain that there isnt another factor that hasnt caused the satisfaction.
       • Laurenceau (2005)= writing daily diary entries. Self disclosure and the perception of self disclosure were linked to higher levels of intimacy. Reverse was true. Increase confidence in the validity of the theory that self-disclosure leads to more satisfying relationships.
     • Real-life application= partners use self-disclosure deliberately from time to time to increase intimacy and strengthen the bond. Hass and Stafford (1998)= 57% of gay men and women in their study said that open and honest disclosure was the main way they maintained and deepened their relationships. Real-life application demonstrates the value of the psychological insights.

2. PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS

   • Shackelford and Larsen (1997)= symmetrical faces are most attractive- sign of genetic fitness. People are also attracted to faces with neotenous features such as large, wide spread eyes and a small nose- these trigger a protective or caring instinct.
   • Matching hypothesis= Walster (1966) people choose romantic partners who are roughly of similar physical attractiveness. Compromise so we avoid rejection.
   • Halo effect= one feature tends to have a disproportionate influence on judgement (physical attractiveness). Self-fulfilling prophecy= good looking people probably have characteristics which makes them more attractive so we behave positively towards them. (kind, strong, sociable and successful).
   • EVALUATION
     • Support= Feingold (1988) carried out a meta analysis of 17 studies and found a significant correlation in ratings of attractiveness between partners- realistic approach

3. FILTER THEORY

   • Kerckhoff and Davis (1962) theory of development. We have field of availables (entire set of potential partners) but not everyone is desirable. 3 main factors that act as filters to narrow down our choice to field of desirables
   • Social demography- meeting your partner= geographical location, class, education etc. Outcome= homogamy, likely to form relationship with partner is socially or culturally similar.
   • Similarity in attitudes- less than 18 months. Partners need to agree over basic values=deeper communication and disclosure. Byrne (1997) law of attraction= similarity causes attraction.
   • Complementarity- ability to meet each other's needs. Two partners complement each other when they have traits that the other lacks. This was more important for long term couples.
   • EVALUATION
     • Support= factors in a relationship change over time. Makes sense= theory has face validity. Winch (1958) found that similarities of personality, interests and attitudes between partners are typical of the earliest stages of a relationship.
     • Lack temporal validity= reduced importance of geographical location due to the rise of online dating websites as location is no longer an issue compared to 30 years ago.
     • Causality is wrong= Anderson (2003) found in a longitudinal study that cohabiting partners became more similar in their emotional responses over time- emotional convergence.