What is the ‘need to belong’ and its effects?
- Innate human desire for social connections.
- Essential for mental and emotional well-being.
- Strong social ties lead to better health and happiness.
Define ‘Need for Affiliation’ and its individual variability.
- Desire to establish rewarding interpersonal relationships.
- Varies among individuals, like personal interests.
Gump & Kulik (1997)
Stress increases affiliation needs.
Cacioppo et al. (2015)
Loneliness boosts the drive to connect.
Case et al. (2015)
feeling powerless enhances the desire for social connections.
WHATDO people who are shy do?
What are the impacts of shyness and the nature vs. nurture aspect of loneliness?
Shyness leading to loneliness:
- Reduces social interaction.
- Increases social isolation.
Nature vs. Nurture in Loneliness:
- Debate whether loneliness is inherent or environmentally influenced.
Describe the types of loneliness as identified by Cacioppo et al. (2015)
- Intimate Loneliness: Lack of close, intimate connections.
- Relational Loneliness: Absence of friends or family connections.
- Collective Loneliness: Lack of a broader social network.
Explain the Reward Theory of Attraction and its significance.
Attraction based on receiving rewards.
Direct (emotional support) or indirect rewards (status, financial).
Discuss the impact of online dating on mate selection.
- Increase in finding partners online.
- Variation between straight and same-sex couples.
- Reflects changing social norms and technology use.
How does physical proximity influence relationship formation?
- Proximity strongly predicts formation of relationships.
- Close distance increases likelihood of connections.
- Supported by studies like Bossard (1932) and Festinger et al. (1950).
What is the Mere Exposure Effect and its relevance in attraction?
- Increased exposure to a stimulus leads to more favorable evaluation.
- Familiarity breeds liking.
- Examples include increased positive ratings with frequent interactions.
What is the Mere Exposure Effect, and how does it relate to attraction?
- Increased exposure leads to more favorable evaluations.
- Familiarity enhances liking.
Example: Frequent interactions increase attraction.
What is the bias for beauty in physical attractiveness?
- Preference for physical beauty in others.
- Attractive individuals often perceived more positively.
- Influences social, professional, and personal outcomes.
Clifford & Walster (1973)
Attractive students perceived as smarter.
Mobius & Rosenblat (2006):
Attractive people earn more.
Chaiken (1979):
Attractive individuals gather more petition signatures.
How do nature and nurture contribute to perceptions of beauty?
Nature: Certain features universally seen as attractive (e.g., symmetry).
Nurture: Cultural variations in beauty standards.
What is the ‘What-is-beautiful-is-good’ stereotype?
Assumption that attractive people possess desirable traits.
Varies across cultures.
What are the benefits and costs associated with physical attractiveness?
- Benefits: Positive perception, social advantages.
- Costs: Attributional challenges, pressure to maintain appearance.
Describe the factors influencing initial attraction in first encounters.
- Attraction towards individuals with similar attributes.
- Reciprocity in liking enhances relationship development.
What are the evolutionary and sociocultural perspectives on mate selection?
- Evolutionary: Choosing mates based on reproductive success.
- Sociocultural: Cultural factors influencing mate preferences.
What are the types of intimate relationships and their characteristics?
- Communal Relationships: Focused on mutual responsiveness and care.
- Exchange Relationships: Based on reciprocity and equity.
What is the Social Exchange Theory in the context of relationships?
- Relationships viewed as transactions.
- Aim to maximize benefits and minimize costs.
How does Equity Theory relate to relationship satisfaction?
- Satisfaction linked to balanced benefits and contributions.
- Equitable relationships are generally more satisfying.
