Prosocial Relations

Social exchange theory

the theory that our social behavior is an exchange process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs

Reward theory of attraction

the theory that we like those whose behavior is rewarding to us or whom we associate with rewarding events

Diffusion of responsibility

when more people share responsibility for helping

Cooperation

working together for the good of all

Modern matchmaking

Internet-formed friendships and romantic relationships are on average slightly more likely to last and be satisfying. Nearly a quarter of heterosexual and two-thirds of same-sex couples met online.

Self-disclosure

deepens intimacy

Social-responsibility norm

expectation that people will help those dependent upon them

Contact

free of competition and equal status exists.

Proximity

geographic nearness- is a friendship's most powerful predictor -provides opportunity for aggression or friendship

Equity

important key to satisfying and enduring relationship

Communication

mediators can help each party to voice its viewpoint and to understand the other's needs and goals; change a competitive win-lose orientation to a cooperative win-win one

Mirror-image perceptions

mutual views often held by conflicting people, as when each side sees itself as ethical and peaceful and views the other side as evil and aggressive

Sexual desire + a growing attachment =

passion and romantic love

Passionate love

physical arousal and cognitive appraisal, temporary, beginning of a love relationship

Enemy Perceptions

psychologists have noted that those in conflict have a curious tendency to form diabolical images of one another

Physical attractiveness

Affects first impression; predicts frequency of dating and popularity; is influenced by cultural ideals and personal feelings.

Speed dating

For many people, 4 minutes is sufficient to form a feeling about a conversational partner and to register whether the partner likes them. People who fear rejection often elicit it. Choices may be more superficial, especially given many options. Women tend to be more choosy than men

Conciliation

GRIT (Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension-Reduction); one side announces recognition of mutual interests and intent to reduce tensions, initiates one or more small, conciliatory acts

Self-fulfilling prophecy

a belief that leads to its own fulfillment

Altruism

a concern for others; generosity

Conflict

a perceived incompatibility of actions, goals, or ideas and produce unwanted results

Superordinate goal

a shared goal that can be achieved only through cooperation among individuals or groups

Social Traps

a situation in which the conflicting parties, by each rationally pursuing their self-interest, become caught in mutually destructive behavior

Companionate love

the deep affectionate attachment we feel for those with whom our lives are intertwined

Reciprocity norm

the expectation that people will respond favorably to each other by returning benefits for benefits, and responding with either indifference or hostility to harms

Mere exposure effect

the phenomenon that repeated exposure to novel stimuli increases liking of them

Bystander effect

the tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present