Social PSY -Unit 8-Romantic Relationships - Morgan Cope

What is it? How does it relate to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

-According to Maslow's theory, people seek love and belonging by forming relationships with others once physiological and safety needs are met. Close relationships can provide a sense of security, attachment, and belongingness, which can fulfill these needs. -Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs proposes that self-actualization is the highest level of need, and it involves fulfilling one's potential and achieving personal growth and development. According to this theory, people who have met their lower-level needs, including their physiological, safety, love and belonging, and esteem needs, may strive towards self-actualization. -In the context of "The Suffocation Model of Marriage," the argument is that people's increasing expectations of marriage to fulfill their emotional and psychological needs, including self-actualization, can pressure the marriage. This pressure can lead to a feeling of suffocation, as the marriage is expected to provide everything, including personal growth and development, which may not be realistic.

What variables predict relationship commitment?

1. Satisfaction: People who are more satisfied with their relationships are more likely to be committed to them. 2. Alternatives: People who perceive fewer attractive alternatives to their current relationship are more likely to be committed to it. 3. Investment: People who have made more investments, such as time, effort, and resources, in their relationship are more likely to be committed to it. 4. Quality of alternatives: People who perceive their alternatives as less desirable or feasible are more likely to commit to their current relationship. 5. Social support: People who have more social support from family and friends for their relationship are more likely to be committed to it. 6. Personal and relationship factors: Personal factors, such as age, personality, and attachment style, as well as relationship factors, such as intimacy, passion, and commitment, also play a role in predicting relationship commitment.

3 types of attachment style

1. Secure - tend to feel comfortable with intimacy and seek out close relationships. They trust their partners, are able to communicate their needs and emotions effectively, and are generally satisfied with their relationships. 2. Avoidant -Individuals with an avoidant attachment style tend to be uncomfortable with intimacy and may avoid close relationships altogether. They may prioritize independence and self-reliance and struggle to open up emotionally to their partners. 3. Anxious - often feel insecure and worry that their partners will abandon them. They may be clingy, and jealous, and frequently seek reassurance from their partners.

What is the theorized evolutionary function of love?

1. The theorized evolutionary function of love is to promote long-term bonding for reproduction and child-rearing. 2. Love can help with emotional regulation and provide a sense of security and attachment 3. Love can act as a reward system for behaviors that benefit survival and reproduction. 4. Close relationships are built on a foundation of love and attachment for mutual support and cooperation

Male shoulder-to-waist proportion that indicates most fitness?

A V-shaped torso (chest-to-waist ratio) is associated with greater upper-body strength and physical fitness, which are desirable traits in potential mates. 1.62 to 1.00

Dissolution and the Self What happens to the self-concept when a breakup occurs?

According to the Two-Dimensional Model of Self Change theory, a breakup can lead to a process called self-contraction, resulting in negative emotions and a loss of identity. However, individuals can eventually rebuild their self-concept with time and support.

What happens when the self-concept changes to become more like a partner (e.g., liking/similarity)?

According to the Two-Dimensional Model of Self Change theory, when individuals incorporate aspects of their partner's identity into their own self-concept, it is called self-expansion. This process can lead to positive outcomes in the relationship, including greater satisfaction, closeness, and commitment. However, it is important that the process is mutual and both partners are equally engaged. If one partner is dominating or controlling, it can lead to negative outcomes, such as reduced personal agency and feelings of being absorbed into the partner's identity.

Why does this promote a shift from self-oriented to relationship-oriented thinking?

According to the book "Social Psychology" by Robin R. Vallacher, a stronger IOS is associated with greater empathy, understanding, and concern for others, as well as greater relationship satisfaction and commitment. By emphasizing the connection and interdependence between self and others, IOS may promote a more cooperative, supportive, and prosocial orientation, fostering the development of healthy and fulfilling relationships.

Attachment Style Theory what are the basis of our attachment style?

Attachment style theory proposes that our childhood experiences shape our internal working models of relationships, which influence our behavior patterns and expectations in the future.

What are the two dimensions of attachment? How are they categorized?

Attachment theory proposes two dimensions of attachment: anxiety and avoidance. Anxiety refers to worrying about rejection, while avoidance refers to discomfort with intimacy. Individuals are categorized into four attachment styles based on their scores on these dimensions: secure, preoccupied (anxious), dismissive (avoidant), and fearful (anxious-avoidant).

What is it? Be able to identify real world examples.

Example Items based on the slide: "My relationship is ready for the next stage." " I want my relationship to become more serious. " I feel that this is the "right time" for me to become more committed to my relationship.

Explain self-adulteration

Finally, self-adulteration occurs when individuals add new or augment existing negative self-concept content -In some cases, self-adulteration may occur in the early stages of a dating relationship.

What are facial features implicated in universal attractiveness in human females and males?

For females: Large, widely spaced eyes Small nose and chin High cheekbones Full lips Symmetrical face Smooth, clear skin High Forehead Broad Face Short and Narrow Jaw For males: Strong, prominent jawline High defined cheekbones Symmetrical face Clear, smooth skin Facial hair (when well-groomed) Longer lower face Pronounced brow ridge

From an Evolutionary perspective, what is the function of romantic relationships?

From an evolutionary perspective, the function of romantic relationships is to ensure the survival and reproduction of our species by providing a secure base for individuals to explore the world and pursue their goals, facilitating reproduction, exchanging resources, and regulating emotions and stress.

What are the dimensions of Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love?

Has three components: 1. intimacy (emotional connection) 2. Passion (physical and emotional attraction) 3. Commitment (willingness to maintain the relationship). Different combinations of these components result in different types of love.

Post-dissolution recovery What is immersion? What is expansion?

Immersion is a post-dissolution recovery strategy that involves engaging fully in a new activity or experience to redirect attention away from the breakup and towards something new, engaging, and challenging. Expansion is a way to broaden the self and create a sense of growth and possibility after losing a romantic partner. This can involve pursuing new interests, meeting new people, and exploring new aspects of oneself.

What type of attachment style is likely to rekindle, and why?

Individuals with an anxious attachment style are more likely to rekindle a relationship with a former partner after a breakup because of their sensitivity to social cues and desire for closeness.

The Trangulation of Love Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love

Intimacy + Pession = Romantic Love Passiona + Commitment = Fatuous Love Commitment + Intimacy = Companionate Love Intimacy Alone (liking) Passion Alone (Infatuation) Commitment Alone (Emply love)

Why might each of these behaviors be helpful after breakup?

Post-breakup behaviors such as immersion, expansion, self-care, and seeking social support can be helpful for managing negative emotions, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment, creating a new sense of identity, and building a support network for moving forward.

4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse What are they? What do they look like?

Predictors of breakup: (Criticism, Contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling) Criticism: Attacking your partner's character or personality rather than addressing a specific behavior or action. Stonewalling: Withdrawing from the interaction or shutting down emotionally, often in response to feeling overwhelmed or flooded Defensiveness: Responding to your partner's complaints or criticism by denying responsibility, making excuses, or counter-attacking. Contempt: Expressing disgust, disrespect, or superiority towards your partner through insults, sarcasm, or name-calling.(the worst)

Why may attachment styles be stable or variable across the lifespan?

Reasons for stability: -confirmation bias perception (early childhood experiences have a long-lasting impact and form models of relationships ) -behavior confirmation (later experiences may reinforce and maintain existing attachment patterns) -Transference - repeatedly having the same types of relationships (habitual ways of thinking and behaving that are difficult to change.) Reasons for change -Different attachments with different targets -Major life events altering orientations towards people (cheating partner, marriage) -Absorbing attachment tendencies from partners (an anxious partner may make you anxious) -Personal growth and self-reflection -Cultural and societal factors

Inclusion of the other in the self (IOS)

Refers to a concept in social psychology that describes how individuals perceive and relate to others in their social environment. Individuals may incorporate aspects of others into their own self-concept, blurring the distinction between the self and others. Spontaneous Plural Pronoun Usage ("us," "we" not "I" or "me") Shift to Relational Orientation -People with strong IOS tend to have better relationships and a more positive sense of self.

Relationship Rekindling What is rekindling?

Rekindling is when a former romantic relationship is re-established after a period of separation or breakup. It involves both partners working together to rebuild trust and address the issues that led to the breakup.

How is this influenced by attachment style?

Secure attachment tends to exhibit a healthier IOS- have a positive self-image, and are comfortable with emotional intimacy. They communicate well and balance their own needs with their partners. Avoidant attachment may be less likely to do so. They may avoid emotional intimacy, withhold their feelings and thoughts, and prioritize self-sufficiency over interpersonal connections. Anxious Attachment might want to integrate too much - may become overly dependent on their partner, prioritizing their partner's needs over their own, which can lead to a loss of self.

Dissolution and the Self How is this related to distress/negative emotion?

Self-contraction, where aspects of the self-tied to the partner are lost. This can lead to feelings of confusion, sadness, anger, and a decreased sense of self-worth. -can cause a loss of identity and meaning in life, further contributing to distress and negative emotions. Self-Concept Clarity - Need to Belong Rumination - Motivated Resolution

Be able to define self-expansion in the Two-Dimensional Model of Self Change

Self-expansion is the process of people expanding their self-concept through new experiences, skills, knowledge, and relationships. It is a fundamental drive that leads to personal growth, positive emotions, and relationship satisfaction.

self-pruning

Self-pruning, on the other hand, occurs when an individual's self-concept becomes more focused and simplified in response to experiences or behaviors that are consistent with their self-concept. This can lead to a more stable self-concept, but it can also limit personal growth and prevent individuals from incorporating new experiences and aspects of themselves.

Sexual Dimorphism in Facial Attractiveness Who is identified as more attractive (by the percentage of sexual dimorphism)? Why might this be the case?

Sexual dimorphism refers to the physical differences between males and females of a species, beyond differences in their reproductive organs.In some species, sexual dimorphism is quite pronounced, while in others it is less noticeable. For example, males tend to have larger body size and greater upper body strength than females, while females tend to have more rounded hips and breasts. Research shows a slight preference for feminized faces less testeron aka less agressive

Which trend is supported by research and why: opposites attract, or similarity promotes liking?

Similarity promotes liking: Research supports the trend that similarity promotes liking. 1. People tend to be attracted to and form relationships with those who are similar to them in values, attitudes, interests, physical appearance, clothing preferences, socioeconomic status 2. Provides validation for the way a person views herself or himself 3. We like those who like us 4. Reduce potential conflict 5. Increase Coordination 6. Promotes Liking Opposites attract: in some cases, people may be attracted to those with characteristics they lack, which can be viewed as an instance of "opposites attract." However, the similarity is a more reliable predictor of attraction and relationship formation. -opposite provides new gaining insights and skills but does not work in the long run relationship as well as similarity

What is Social Exchange Theory?

Social Exchange Theory proposes that people evaluate their relationships based on the costs and benefits associated with them, and are more likely to remain in a relationship if the benefits outweigh the costs and they are more likely to leave a relationship if the costs outweigh the benefits.

Explain Stable and Satisfied

Stable and Satisfied The slide suggests that if your current relationship outcome is better than the alternative and better than you ever had before in your past relationships, then you are more likely to have a stable and satisfying relationship.

Explain Stable and Unsatisfied

Stable and Unsatisfied The slide suggests that if your current relationship outcome is better than your previous partners and experiences. However, if you cannot see or believe that you will have any better alternatives, then the relationship is stable but unsatisfying.

How does it attempt to explain the increasing divorce rate? The Suffocation Model of Marriage - slide 24

The "Suffocation Model of Marriage" suggests that people now expect their marriages to fulfill all of their emotional and psychological needs, including self-actualization. This pressure can lead to feelings of suffocation and challenges in modern marriages. If not achieved - it leads to divorce.

What is the ratio of good to bad interactions in couples that predicts relationship continuation?

The "magic ratio" in couples is 5:1, meaning that for every one negative interaction in a relationship, there should be at least five positive interactions to maintain a healthy and stable relationship. (first proposed by John Gottman)

How do the models of Stable and Unsatisfied and Unstable and Satisfied contribute to staying in abusive relationships?

The models of "stable and unsatisfied" and "unstable but satisfied" may contribute to people staying in abusive relationships because they both involve feeling trapped or stuck in a relationship that is not entirely fulfilling. In the case of "stable and unsatisfied," someone may feel that they cannot leave their current partner because they have not found a better alternative, even though they are unhappy in the relationship. In the case of "unstable but satisfied," someone may feel that they have a fulfilling relationship but are afraid to leave because they fear they may not find something better. These beliefs can lead individuals to stay in relationships even if they are experiencing abuse or other harmful behaviors, which can be detrimental to their well-being.

From an evolutionary perspective, what do these features indicate?

These features may signal an individual's ability to produce healthy offspring, which is important for the survival and reproduction of our species.

What variables predict relationship stability and satisfaction?

These variables include: 1. Personality Traits 2. Attachment Styles 3. Relationship factors: communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy. 4. Relationship stability and satisfaction 5. Degree of Similarity 6. Investment in the relationship 7. Social support

4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse What are ways to overcome/avoid them?

To overcome criticism, focus on specific behaviors or actions rather than attacking your partner's character or personality. (usually due to unmet needs) To avoid stonewalling, take a break from the conversation if you feel overwhelmed or flooded, and make sure to return to the conversation when you are calm and ready to listen. (usually due to physical arousal and threat) To overcome defensiveness, take responsibility for your part in the conflict and respond non-defensively to your partner's complaints or criticism. (understand why you feel that way) To avoid contempt, cultivate a culture of appreciation and respect in your relationship, and express positive emotions and gratitude towards your partner. (develops through long-term resentment)

Explain Unstable and Satisfied

Unstable and Satisfied The slide suggests that if your current relationship outcome is better than your previous partners and experiences, but you can see better alternatives, then the relationship is unstable but satisfying.

What is the waist-to-hip ratio in females that indicates the highest probability of impregnation per sexual encounter?

WHR 0.7 - is associated with higher fertility levels, reproductive success in females, and greater attractiveness to males. This is because a WHR of 0.7 indicates a healthy balance of estrogen and other important hormones for reproductive health.

Two-Dimensional Model of Self Change What does the model describe?

is a theory that explains how people change themselves. It proposes that people change themselves based on two factors: the level of abstraction of their self-concept and the stability/flexibility of their self-concept. These factors determine how an individual responds to a discrepancy between their self-concept and their behavior or experience

Explain self-contraction in the Two-Dimensional Model of Self Change

it refers to the process by which an individual's self-concept becomes more narrow and restricted. It occurs when an individual's experiences or behaviors are inconsistent with their self-concept, and rather than expanding their self-concept to accommodate these new experiences, they contract their self-concept to maintain consistency. This can lead to negative emotions, limited personal growth, and strained relationships