Another aspect of emotional attraction is reciprocity, which by definition has to do with a mutuality of some sort. In respect to attraction, it is the mutual interest. Human beings tend to like those who like them and dislike those who dislike them. The perfect illustration of this effect is the middle school drama scene. Most of us have probably heard or even said a line something to the effect of, “I don’t like her/him because they talked badly of me.” Inversely, when another individual expresses an interest in you, you probably feel a sense of accomplishment or flattery that causes you to show an interest in them as well (Sternberg, 2013). As much as we would like to think we left this attitude in middle school, it follows us …show more content…
The types of things that those who are emotionally attracted to one another have in common depends on what those specific people value most. While having things in common with another is beneficial to emotional attraction, there must also be a balance of some sort. Sternberg states, “Couples are indeed happiest when they complement each other on the dimension of dominance/submission but are about the same on the dimension of warmth” (2013). It is important that two individuals have many values and interests in common, but equally important for their strengths and weaknesses to balance. A common example of this is one partner being spontaneous, while the other is rational and level-headed. Couples are best happy together when a working balance for them has been reached. Arguably the biggest factor in emotional attraction is personality. But even personality ties back into similarity versus complementarity. There could never be a dictionary definition of what makes a “good personality” because it is subjective to the individual who is evaluating the other’s personality. Couples work best when their personalities are enough alike that they share many of the same perspectives and opinions, but also different enough that they can provide balance for each other. Social constructionism not only plays a role in physical attraction, but is key in emotional
In regard to the effect of love and attraction, the author has come to learn that there is a very big difference between the two. Attraction is what leads the beginning of a relationship whether it is a friendship or, a romantic relationship. On the other hand, love is a pure emotion or feeling that cannot compare to attraction in any facet.
What are the social factors that influence interpersonal attraction? Discuss in relation to relevant psychological theories and studies
Overview: The study of what makes us attracted to some people but not others. Focuses on how personality and attachment plays a role in attraction.
been research done to support both sides. Nature is the way that genes influence our behavior. On the other hand, nurture is the environmental factors that influence personality and beliefs (Cherry 2016). Twin studies are important because if they grew up in different cultures we can look at how the twins differ and how they are similar. Similarities may indicate biological factors that could potentially influence personality and desires. A well known twin study is the “Jim Twins’: Separated at Birth,” discussed further in depth later on. The significance of this essay is to explore factors that influence attraction because there are multiple
In the article “Why We Form Relationships,” as well as in our textbook “Interplay”, the authors define certain aspects that influence why we choose the relationships we choose. They both show that appearance is a big part of what influences our choices. Most people are raised to not judge a book by its cover, however without even meaning to we decide who we will let in our circle within seconds of seeing someone. Along with appearance, we seek out similarities in others, such as same taste in food, liking the same sports teams, or having the same hobbies. We also look for people that can give us any kind of reward at low cost; whether that reward is tangible, such as a gift, or intangible, such as emotional support.
In “The Mystery of Attraction,” Harville Hendrix claims that attraction between human beings is based on a number of factors that ultimately leave human beings baffled on exactly how humans experience such intense emotions as seen in romantic love and why so many couples tend to have complementary characteristics. He supports this claim by explaining several theories of attraction. His biological theory of courtship states that “we instinctively select mates who will enhance the survival of the species” (483). This theory suggests instinctive evolutionary attraction such as a female’s rosy cheeks on a slender frame and a male’s muscular physique
Could this be love at first sight? Or is this merely a biological response? In fact, research does
A person might think that love is just a feeling for someone else they find attractive, and that it is just that, a feeling. However, there is a scientific reason why that person is attracted to one person, and not another. There are many contributing factors to how we are attracted to each other, three of which are pheromones, major histocompatibility complex(MHC) and genetics.
Great examples and deffinitions. I feel that Social Attraction would fit into your writing. As it sounds like the two of you get along really well. i would also say that Interperosnal Attraction would fit in there too. It is not easy to find good friends let alone a couple to convers with and from what I can tell that is what you have
The concept of attraction has been defined in many ways by many different experts in the field of relationships. From a biological standpoint it is stated that through the chemicals in our body (e.g. hormones) we are attracted to one another (Eastwick, 2011). On the other hand, it is a naturalistic feeling that happens of which we cannot explain through this essence of science nor technology. We are attracted to those with the same level of emotional maturity or differentiation of self (Eastwick, 2011). It said opposites attract, but does our unconscious, internalize that attraction. This brings me to my research question; can relationships be successful when there is no physical attraction? After acquiring some knowledge on the topic in class and from previous readings, I have hypothesized that a relationship can be successful without physical attraction if there is a strong communication or friendship base association. I will now provide plausible theories that have been supported by researchers to aid my argument.
What does recent social psychology research tell us about factors that enhance or deter attraction to others? Are people predictable on any of these contributing factors? Are there attraction factors that are universally the same? Explain. Are their differences in friend attraction and romantic attraction? Why? How does attraction differ by age and/or gender? Provide examples. Are these individual and/or linked to the cultural context? What does the empirical literature tell us about cross-cultural (not cross-racial) attraction and what influences the formation and continuation of these types of relationships? Are their advantages and/or disadvantages with cross-cultural relationships? Explain, and provide scientifically supported pros and cons with examples. What types of attraction are not explained by current attraction theory?
The most applicable principal of attraction for this group is complementary principle. According to Miller (2012), complementary principles suggest that people are attracted to those who possess characteristics that complement their own personal characteristics. In relation to the case study, this is seen
Evidence: With the concept of “Homophily” in mind, psychologists have found that actual and perceived similarities between potential romantic partners in categories such as demographics,
It is possible that attraction between two people may be born out on a rickety bridge. It sounds scary; however, studies proved that men have higher levels of arousal (e.g. heart pounds fast) when they are exposed to dangerous situations. If they see a beautiful woman approaching, they tend to feel attracted her more quickly. This misconception is associated with a misattribution of arousal that means that people make the supposition of their emotions in everyday life. It happens because their emotional responses react to the stimulus. Perhaps, the contact with a beautiful stranger causes them to hide their fears. By doing that, they can look more confident, even though they are scared.
Relationships between people are so delicate that require true attention, effort and fairness. According to Jensen & Newman (1998, p.173) partners are different in many ways such as brain functioning, personalities, backgrounds, life experiences, family traditions and personal values. Nevertheless, the two of them realizing and being who they are is the key aim of successful relationship.