Social Psych Exam 3 Study Guide

REVIEW: Which one of these things does NOT increase sexual motivation? (A) testosterone (B) restricted sociosexuality (C) exciting situations (D) ovulation

B

REVIEW: You and your friend are looking at profiles on a dating app. You both agree that Phil's profile is attractive, but your friend swipes left anyway, saying "he's totally out of my league, we'd never match." Which principle would explain why? A) similarity hypothesis B) matching hypothesis C) parental investment theory D) mere exposure effect

B

Video (shown in class): Age and Giving

you learn as you get older when you help you gain social approval + rewards = reinforces that helpfulness is a good thing + boosts mood HELPERS HIGH

In class Activity: How do you think dating apps have changed dating in the modern world? (Probably not on the exam)

turns people into hoes plenty of fish in the sea based on photos aka attractiveness

Nurturant Love and some examples

Feelings of tenderness and concern for someone Examples: Paternal/Maternal love Caring for an aging parent caring for a partner when they are sick THINK DEPENDENCY!!!

Sexual gratification - Hormones play a role in (3)

1. Sexual desire 2. Attraction 3. Behavior Men- testosterone + Oxytocin Women- Testosterone, Oxytocin, Ovulatory hormones

Men who are more symmetrical:

Report younger age for first sexual intercourse Report greater # of life-time sexual partners Are chosen more frequently as women's extra-pair (cheating) partners

5 Steps for Helping

1. Notice that something is happening 2. Interpret the meaning of the event 3. Take responsibility for providing help 4. The person must be capable of helping 5. Decide whether to take action (think of this as a chain of steps)

List of theories of Attraction (4)

1. Proximity 2. Similarity 3. Evolutionary 4. Cultural

Threats to attachment (2)

1. Separation Grief of separation can feel like drug withdrawal... this is because the same brain systems are used during these experiences 2. Same-sex competitors ("Intrasexual Rivals") Can lead to jealousy (need to protect the relationship) GENDER: - Men more distressed by SEXUAL infidelity - Women more distressed by EMOTIONAL infidelity

Why do we help others? the FOUR goals

1.Improve our own basic welfare 2.Gain social status and approval 3.Manage our self-image 4.Manage our moods and emotions

What are the 4 kinds of love?

1.Nurturant Love 2.Attachment Love 3.Companionate Love 4.Passionate Love we can feel these at different times with the same/different person/people

What are the three components of the interdependence model

1.Outcome State of your current relationship (based on rewards + costs) 2.Comparison Level (CL) What you think you deserve (based on experience) aka EXPECTATIONS we form them when we see others, our exes, celebrities, etc. 3.Comparison Level for Alternatives (ClALT) What you think you can get elsewhere (based on perceptions of alternative partners or being single) ex: sometimes people think think being single "alternative" is better than being with your current partner

List the three Defining Features of Love

1.Passion: intense desire for someone 2.Intimacy: feelings of close bonding with someone 3.Commitment: willingness to stay with someone

List the 3 Important Theoretical Models

1.Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love 2.Attachment Theory 3.Interdependence Model

Ovulation (Miller et al, 2007)

18 professional dancers gave information about their cycle and tips MAIN TAKEAWAY: Women made more money when they were ovulating! Why? They may act sexier Faces, voices, and bodily odors may be more attractive

Sexual gratification and the things that influence sexual motivation (4)

= fulfilling sexual desires Things that influence sexual motivation: 1. Biological Sex 2. Hormones 3. Traits (e.g., sociosexuality) 4. Situations!

REVIEW: Which one of these is NOT a trait that women are attracted to in men? A) symmetry B) muscularity C) low waist-to-hip ratio D) resources

C

REVIEW: Which hormone has been linked with feeling more receptive toward having sex? (A) oxytocin (B) testosterone (C) estrogen (D) luteinizing hormone

A

"Mate Dollar" Task

A budget of "mate dollars" (e.g., 20) Spend these mate dollars to design your ideal romantic partner Each mate dollar corresponds to a 10-percentile increase on the trait E.g., 5 mate dollars spent on intelligence = Mate is in the 50th percentile for intelligence, or average We can see what people prioritize the most... MEN: spent the most on attractiveness (fertility) WOMEN: spent the most on Intelligence and Income (Resources)

RESEARCH STUDY: A Study (Darley & Latané, 1968)

A participant and a victim (confederate) completed a group discussion Experimental manipulation: 0, 1, or 4 other participants around them The confederate feigned an emergency (seizure) during the discussion Does the subject help? 85% of participants helped when ALONE 62% helped when ONE other person heard Only 31% helped when 4 OTHERS heard! MAIN TAKEAWAY: responsibility effect + bystander effect were proven to be right

Goal #1: Improve our own basic welfare - Explain Kin Selection and inclusive fitness

Actions ensure that an individual's genes survive, even at at a cost to the individual's own survival Inclusive fitness = the survival of one's genes in one's own offspring AND in relatives that one helps MAIN TAKEAWAY: predicts people are willing to risk their own survival at the chance that their genes will survive!!! ex: parents give up their lives for their children or the yelling squirrel (in class example) signaling the hawk (predator) is coming even when the yelling makes the squirrel more vulnerable

List the Adult Attachment Orientations

Anxious Avoidant Low on both = secure

What is Prosocial Behavior?

Any action intended to benefit another

Attachment Theory: Adult Attachment (Bowlby)

Attachment styles from infancy provide "mental models" that influence our adult relationships

REVIEW: Misattribution of arousal suggests that any arousing situation can increase desire/attraction

B

Describe the roots of Attachment Theory

Based on the premise that we are biologically pre-disposed to attach to close others Found across mammalian species (monkeys, dogs, cats, humans, etc.) Bonds between mother/offspring = essential to infant survival

Why does marital satisfaction decline?

Being polite & thoughtful takes effort and energy Interdependence (how dependent you are on each other) magnifies conflict & friction -LIVING TOGETHER IS THE MOST INTERDEPENDENCE EXPERIENCE (more chances to fight) Intimacy means knowing your partner's faults & weaknesses (you find traits you don't necessarily like but over time you lose the ability to put up with it... you will snap) Having children increases stress A LOT People have unrealistic expectations of marriage "Suffocation Model of Marriage" aka the comparison level can be unrealistic to reach

Why do we sometimes NOT help others? (2)

Bystander effect = less likely to help with more onlookers present Diffusion of Responsibility = The pressure to help is divided among everyone who is present

REVIEW: In which situation are women MOST sexually interested in their current romantic partners? (A) when they are menstruating and their partner is attractive (D) when they menstruating and their partner is unattractive (C) when they are ovulating and their partner is attractive (D) when they are ovulating and their partner is unattractive

C

Describe the characteristics of avoidant attachment and the % of adults with this style

Characteristics: Detachment from partner (defense mechanism) - avoids attachment so they won't get hurt Discomfort with emotional intimacy & affection (In stressful situations) Don't ask for or offer support 20% of adults

Describe the characteristics of secure attachment and the % of adults with this style

Characteristics: Easily expresses/accepts affection Unconcerned about abandonment 60% of adults (across cultures)

Describe the characteristics of anxious attachment and the % of adults with this style

Characteristics: Visible distress with separation Preoccupation with abandonment Excessive/unhealthy need for closeness Neediness (attention, prove that you love me, etc.) aka clingy, needy, anxious, and looks for reassurance (would you still love me if I was a worm?) 20% of adults

Because dating on the internet increases our access to potential partners... what are some of the effects/results from having this increased pool of people

Choosiness or indecisiveness "picky" Infidelity Self-esteem (same as social media) - we can easily compare ourselves to our "competitors" and if you don't get a lot of matches you feel worse about yourself

Goal #4: Manage emotions and moods: Describe the The Arousal/Cost-Reward Model

Conditions when helping is most likely: Arousal is strong (like when we feel bad) "We" connection (we identify the person/animal who is the victim) Small costs and large rewards

Shaky Bridge Study (Dutton & Aron, 1974)

Crossed a dangerous shaky bridge or a regular bridge Filled out questionnaires from female experimenter Who do you think was more attracted to the woman on the bridge? Men on the shaky bridge! MAIN TAKEAWAY: Misattribution of arousal

Who are we attracted to? (for women)

Cues of fitness & provisions -Symmetry -Masculinity (testosterone) -Muscularity & Athleticism (protection) -Broad body build -Resources (cash, education, smart, ambition = CAN PROVIDE)

Theories of Attraction: CULTURAL

Culture is a force in shaping mate selection In some cultures (e.g., China) people tend to choose based on status hierarchy 95% of Indian marriages are arranged; matchmaking is also common in Muslim-majority countries In Tibet, women marry a group made up of brothers (helps with resources)

Which of these describes how men and women achieve reproductive success? A) men pursue a long-term mating strategy; women pursue a short-term mating strategy B) men and women both pursue a long-term mating strategy C) men and women both pursue a short-term mating strategy D) men pursue a short-term mating strategy; women pursue a long-term mating strategy

D

Dating with the Internet: does it work and what happens after the first date???

Dating online increases the number of people are meeting people through websites and apps the algorithm doesn't have any scientific validity so who knows Matches DOES NOT EQUAL DATES

What is the equation used to determine dependence according to the interdependence model

Dependence = Outcome - Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLALT)

Theories of Attraction: EVOLUTIONARY Describe Parental Investment Theory

Differences in men's & women's reproductive biology leads to different MINIMUM levels of obligatory parental investment ----- Female investment: COSTLY physical resources (e.g., pregnancy) Male investment: sex + sperm (less costly than women) Indirect: protection, resources

Describe the Triangular Theory of Love

Each partner's triangle can be different within a relationship a triangle can be made up of intimacy, passion, and commitment (most relationships have more than one of these) IMPORTANT TAKEAWAY: Triangles can change over time!! Early on, passion is high, and intimacy & commitment are lower (young couples) Later, passion declines, but intimacy & commitment increases (most married grandparents)

Describe Establishing Family bonds and its relevance

Essential for the survival of human offspring May be based on same mechanisms that link mothers and infants "Attachment Theory" (more on this later!) -

2nd step to helping - Interpret the meaning of the event

Events are often ambiguous When it is EASY to INTERPRET that help is needed THEN people are MORE LIKELY to intervene

Describe Goal #1: Improve our own basic welfare

Evolution of helping behavior (very adaptive/adaptation) Helping behavior is heritable Helping can help us gain genetic benefits AND Helping can also help us gain material benefits Reciprocal aid = helping that occurs in return for prior help Helping is often mutual and cooperative + Norm of Reciprocity

Social Exchange Theory

Exchange of benefits and costs in a relationship Generally as we get more committed to someone we move towards a communal relationship instead of keeping track of costs and rewards

Goal #4: Manage emotions and moods: Describe the Negative State Relief Model

For non-emergency situations!!! Putting someone in a NEGATIVE (sad) mood can increase helping People often help to relieve their sadness because it can be mood-enhancing WHY? - When engaged in charitable giving, reward centers of the brain light up

Main difference between Friend vs Romantic Partner?

Friend: not attracted to Romantic: attracted to

People who are more unrestricted... tend to do these things

Have sex earlier Prioritize partner attractiveness over other traits Are less committed in relationships Use hookup apps like Tinder more

describe Goal #2: Gain social status and approval

Helpfulness is a good thing! -> SOCIAL REWARDS People LIKE and APPROVE of those who help (got clout) Helping can also ENHANCE perceptions of power

Describe: Goal #4: Manage emotions and moods

Helping can be emotionally rewarding Seeing suffering makes us feel bad ex: when you see that sad animal commercial (ASPCA) makes you feel like shit so by making you feel bad you'll donate Helping relieves this unpleasant state

Goal #1: Improve our own basic welfare: Evidence of inclusive fitness?

Humans also prefer to help those they are related to example: people donate their organs especially if your family member (parents, siblings, children HIGH % for donation vs. Grandparents & Cousins MODERATE/LOW % for donation) needs one

If my outcome (what I have) exceeds my Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLALT)

I will be dependent aka stable

If my Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLALT) exceeds my outcome

I will be independent aka unstable

So what keeps people in long-term relationships?

INVESTMENTS Tangible - material things aka money, house, your three dogs, etc. Intangible - things can't touch or see... time, love, effort, etc. KIDS Commitment & intimacy increase over time Poor alternatives - if you don't think anyone out there would want you (age, baggage, etc.) you have less partner alternatives Personal views/values (e.g., views on divorce) - people who see divorce is a failure or immoral

Although satisfaction (on average) decreases... For SOME couples, this decline is actually LESS STEEP!

Impulse control Problem solving & communication Partners who match ideals - partner checks a lot of our boxes and ideals

Sexual gratification: Oxytocin

Is linked to receptivity to sex and orgasm in BOTH men and women Women have higher levels of oxytocin Linked to greater feelings of interconnectedness (BONDING) between sex and love

Describe the Kitty Genovese case and what does this case demonstrate

Kitty was attacked by a man with a knife and she was screaming and 38 neighbors had claimed they saw her get murdered... no one called the police/helped the case demonstrated the BYSTANDER EFFECT = less likely to help with more onlookers present

Sexual gratification: Testosterone (T)

Linked to sexual desire in BOTH men and women Men produce more than women Married men have lower T than men in short-term relationships (pair bonding mechanism to help keep relationships going)

Describe Example of Reciprocal Aid: Vampire Bats

Live in groups that are mostly related Not always successful at feeding, and will die quickly without food Incentive to cooperate - give blood to others when you're successful, and they will repay the favor They remember their regular companions!! = they have besties and will give them blood if they need it

Evolutionary Theory: But I don't want to have children, so this doesn't apply to me... does it?

Mating decisions are often partially influenced by biological predispositions! Predispositions come "online" probably during puberty (yay sex hormones!) - before puberty you probably didn't have predispositions Can make a conscious decision to not have children, BUT partner preferences still may be driven by this predisposition Until recently, having sex and having children kind of went together....

RESEARCH STUDY: Study: Satow (1975)

Measured "Need for Approval" Gave participants a chance to donate money (common charities) - Public vs. private (anonymous) People who are high in "NfA" - aka need for approval are more likely to donate - Especially in the public condition!!! MAIN TAKEAWAY: People with high need for approval donated wayy more money when it was public (seen by others)

Gaining Resources & Social Status: What do men want in a partner?

Men prioritize reproductive resources aka fertility and if she can carry offspring - (Unconscious goal) Youth and attractiveness The lipstick effect - women are willing to spend money on things to help secure a "big fish" hot rich man

General Trends for Marriage

Men tend to marry at a later age than women The average age of first-marriage is increasing over time Especially for women, there is a social pressure to get married

Consequences of attachment insecurity for relationships:

More likely to engage in infidelity Both couple members are more likely to be dissatisfied The relationship is more likely to end Relationship Outcomes = Rewards - Costs

Factors that influence helping: Explain Biological sex

Most people view women as the most helpful sex "Who is more likely to help?" depends ON THE SITUATION - Emergencies & strangers -> Men Men like to act heroically ESPECIALLY WITH STRANGERS ex: superman -Emotional & indirect -> Women Women are more likely to help romantic partners, family, friends LESS STRANGERS ex: giving advice

Although satisfaction (on average) decreases... For SOME couples, this decline is STEEPER WHY???

Neuroticism -emotionally unstable Narcissism - only care about themselves Insecure attachment - if you, your partner, or both have this Unrestricted sociosexual orientation - willing to engage in casual sex

Do married couples stay happy?

No; on average marital satisfaction decline over time that eventually levels off This is why we have the phrase "the honeymoon stage" Doesn't mean this describes every relationship

List the Goals of Romantic Relationships (3)

Obtaining sexual gratification Establishing family bonds Gaining resources and social status

Sexual gratification: Ovulation + hormones

Ovulation (estrogen, luteinizing hormone) A "typical" cycle is around 28 days long Ovulation occurs around day 14 - there is a narrow window of fertility (~5 days) Estrogen and LH PEAK near ovulation!!

List the factors that influence helping and characterize these reasons by Person and Situation

PERSON: Need for approval Arousal Mood/Emotion Sense of "we" Similarity Familiarity Male vs Female Beliefs and values SITUATION: Relatedness Labeling Small costs & large rewards

RESEARCH STUDY: Smoke-filled-room study (Darley & Latane, 1968)

Participants complete questionnaires either alone or in a group Smoke begins pouring into the room Dependent variables: How many report the smoke? How long does it take them? MAIN TAKEAWAY: The people who were alone were more likely to report the smoke vs the people in a group

1st step to helping - Notice that something is happening Describe the research study "Good Samaritan study"

People who are busy, preoccupied, or under time pressure are less likely to notice Darley & Batson's (1973) "Good Samaritan" study - Participants were told to give a speech about being a good samaritan (primed) some participants were told they were late (rushed) and the others were on time (no rush) On the way the participant encountered a confederate slumped by the side of the road Conditions tested: Jobs vs. Good Samaritan (no, effect) Early vs. Late (yes, effect) People who were early were more likely to provide help but when rushed only 10% helped and a lot didn't even see the man who was slumped over!!!

Factors that influence helping: describe personal norms

Personal Norms = the internalized beliefs and values that form a person's inner standards for behavior People who have strong beliefs that they should help are more likely to: - give blood - carpool - recycle researchers found that PERSONAL VALUES are the most influential factor even more than religious, parental example, etc.

Gaining Resources & Social Status: what do gay men and lesbians look for in a partner?

Preferences are mostly similar to heterosexuals In general: lesbians: Youthfulness & Fidelity gay men: Attractiveness & Youthfulness

Describe Goal #3: Manage our self-image

Prosocial behavior leads to feeling positively about oneself Helping behavior can ENHANCE the self and VERIFY the self!! 87% of Americans who donated to charity said they did so because it was consistent with their PERSONAL VALUES

Interdependence Model - define rewards and costs

Rewards are great! Rewards are anything positive associated with your partner/relationship Costs are bad! Costs are anything negative associated with your partner/relationship when rewards and costs are equal the better the outcome

In which situation would I be more likely to help a stalled car? rural road with no cars around vs a busy highway

Rural road because of the diffusion of responsibility effect + bystander effect

Based on the video in class, when looking at the TV show The Office... how would you describe according to attachment styles Kelly and Ryan's relationship 👀

Ryan has an avoidant attachment style evidence: offered no support, didn't want to be in a committed relationship Kelly has an anxious attachment style evidence: she talked about getting married/get pregnant when they weren't even dating

What is the equation used to determine if we are satisfied vs dissatisfied according to the interdependence model

Satisfaction = Outcome - Comparison Levels (CL)

The Interdependence Model in Action: Serena and Dan are in a relationship. Dan treats Serena well (better than any of her past boyfriends) BUT Serena can't help but feel like she could improve her social status by dating a number of eligible suitors in her circle- all of whom have more money than Dan. Satisfied or Dissatisfied? Dependent or Independent?

Serena is Satisfied! Her outcomes (how he treats her) exceed her comparison level REMEMBER: Satisfaction = Outcome - Comparison Levels (CL) Serena is independent! Her Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt) exceeds her Outcomes REMEMBER: Dependence = Outcome - Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLALT)

Factors that influence helping: Explain Similarity & Familiarity

Similarity is a cue of genetic relatedness - like Appearance, personality, attitudes, etc. Familiarity is also a cue of relatedness - The more related individuals are, the more contact they have with each other

Define Arousing Settings and examples of date ideas that demonstrate this phenomena

Situations that induce physiological arousal (racing heart, butterflies in stomach) can be misattributed to the partner good date ideas: haunted house, scary movie, amusement park ride, skydiving

Goal #3: Manage our self-image: Define Labeling effects

Social labels are powerful in influencing our behavior If people are labeled as helpful, then they should be more likely to help

Personality Traits: define sociosexual orientation and explain restricted vs unrestricted people

Sociosexual Orientation = tendency to prefer unrestricted (vs. restricted sex) Restricted = sex only in the context of committed relationships Unrestricted = interested in casual sex without commitment

Describe Labeling Effect (an experiment)

Some children labeled as "kind and helpful" These children were more likely to donate their experimental prizes to other children (internalized their label)

Sexual gratification: Sex Differences Study done at FSU: Clark & Hatfield (1987)

Students approached by confederates and asked to: Women and Men gave compliments and flirted - asked these questions 1. Go out 2. Go to my Apt. 3. Go to Bed RESULTS: Female: Higher for Go out and less for go to apt. and none to go to bed (long term strategy) MEN: Most for go to bed, then go to Appt., and least to go out (short term strategy) MAIN TAKEAWAY: - Men are more likely to agree to sex with a stranger!!, Men require less time knowing a woman before having sex, Men hold lower standards for sexual partners - Intelligence is also at a higher requirement for women when considering to have sex compared to men (about the same for men and women when comparing marriage and dating)

Ovulation (Durante et al, 2008):

Tested women when they were ovulating and not ovulating Women who were ovulating were more likely to draw a more revealing outfit

REVIEW: Social exchange theory

The trading of benefits and costs within relationships. We want relationships that give us equity!!! People are less happy if they are under-benefitted

Theories of Attraction: EVOLUTIONARY - Reproductive Success + Mating Strategies

These differences in biological constraints lead to different mating strategies Ultimate goal is reproduction to enhance reproductive success TWO STRATEGIES: 1. pursue lots of mates (men tend to benefit the most using this strategy) 2. try to get a few quality mates (women tend to benefit the most using this strategy) Quantity vs. Quality!!!! Men also tend to use the short term mating strategy and women use long-term mating strategies

What does the interdependence model predict (2(

This model can predict relationship satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) This model can predict dependence (or independence)

Theories of Attraction: SIMILARITY Describe the Opposites vs. Similarity argument for romantic partners

Two age old sayings "Birds of a Feather Flock Together?" or "Opposites attract?" - people tend to like similar people (values, hobbies, interests) but there are some exceptions. Opposites are ok when the trait/interest is NOT a core personality trait... EXAMPLE: think someone who is very into politics would be unable to date someone with the opposite views

Theories of Attraction: SIMILARITY Describe Matching Hypothesis + video in class

We like to pair up/date up with people with similar levels of attractiveness we can't all be with a 10... so we will generally try to get as high as we can until you can get with someone who we feel matches/good enough for us personality (kindness, extraversion, etc.) also plays some of a role in attractiveness

When ovulating, women wear

Wear sexier & more revealing clothes Are more likely to wear red/pink Feel sexier and are rated as more desirable by men

Companionate Love and some examples

When someone is deeply intertwined and are closely linked to our own life Examples: Siblings Friendship

Describe Expanded sense of "we"

Who is in my ingroup? People like to help those who belong to "'us" versus "them" ex: people in your major, your friends, other FSU students People can manipulate what people define as "we" or "one of us"

Gaining Resources & Social Status: What do women want in a partner?

Women are more motivated to seek a mate high in social dominance or status (Unconscious goal) Women also value the future potential to acquire money Dominance isn't enough by itself for LONG-TERM! AKA women generally want a hot muscular man who is rich/has status. Think about a hot lawyer.... or a medical student since he has potential to reach these expectations

Does ovulation change the way women select partners

YES During Ovulation - hormones are high... Women prioritize partner attractiveness (more masculine men) Sexual interest in current partners vs. extra-pair partners (when their partner is attractive are more satisfied and when their partner is ugly are less satisfied)

Describe Symmetry in a evolutionary standpoint/ romantic attraction

both men and women value this trait "Good" Genes = More symmetry ~ "Worse" Genes = Less Symmetry

Dependence influences what

commitment and stability in a relationship HIGH DEPENDENCE= HIGH STABILITY

Attachment Love and some examples

desired to be cared/protected by someone Examples: Children wanting their parent how pets feel love from their owner

Who are we attracted to? (for MEN)

fertility & vitality!!! -Low waist-to-hip ratio (snatched waist) -Youthful features -Higher pitched voice -Symmetry -Signs of ovulation (fertility)

Define Reciprocal aid

helping that occurs in return for prior help

Infant-Caregiver attachment: RESEARCH STUDY: The "Strange Situation" Paradigm (Ainsworth)

mom and a baby are in a room together with a researcher... observes interactions Mom is told to leave and then they record how the baby reacts initially and when the mom returns The three attachment styles were born... 1. Secure - Baby is happy when she is there, cries when gone, returns to normal when she returns 2. Anxious - baby clings when the mom is in the room, baby is very stressed/panicked when she is gone, and seeks reassurance and will even push away the mom when she returns 3. Avoidant - baby will ignore the mom and never seek any reassurance from the mom in all of the stages Anxious and avoidant styles are known as INSECURE attachment styles!!

Romantic attachment promotes BLANK define the blank term and why it is important

pair-bonding aka when you form a lasting attachment to one romantic partner helps us acquire and pool resources with another person and how we parent our children

Passionate Love and some examples

really intense state of wanting to be with that person AKA DESIRE Desire is the defining feature to distinguish a romantic relationship vs friendship and family relationships Examples: Romantic love

Thornhill & Gangestad (1999)

requited various men with varying symmetry they had the men wear a white shirt for a week + no deodorant The shirts smelled like the men and then brought women to smell each shirt and provide a rating they found that women found the symmetrical men's scents better than the others MAIN TAKEAWAY: symmetry can also have other markers of markers of attraction + More symmetrical men were rated as: "SEXIER" and "MORE PLEASANT"

Theories of Attraction: Proximity Explain the Mere exposure effect!

the tendency to feel positively toward people we see frequently think roommates/neighbors to lovers AND friendships (positive feelings = relationships)