wow

Liking & Loving (Chapter 7)

Welcome to a discussion of interpersonal attraction and close relationships. Within social psychology, “Interpersonal Attraction” has been studied for over a hundred years and refers specifically to an attitude or evaluation we have of another person and it can range on a continuum from like to dislike. More recently (in the past few decades), researchers have also focused on the topic of “Close Relationships” and how they vary in families, friendships, and when involving romance or love. Many factors play a role in these dynamics so let’s examine some now.

Interpersonal Attraction

Initial Attraction

· Physical attraction (basic findings? Cultural diffs? Gender diffs?)

· Similarity (basics)

· Know what proximity and mere exposure mean

· Affect

· What about arousal?

Close Relationships

· Passionate vs. Companionate love

· Closeness & intimacy (reciprocal self-disclosure)

· Communal vs. exchange relationships

· Interdependence & commitment – what do the concepts mean?

Love

· Sternberg’s triangular model (nicely captured in Fig. 7.9)

· Individual differences (attachment styles – again nice summary in Table 7.1)

STOP here: I am doing my best to minimize some of the material so although interesting, don’t worry for the exam about internet relationships, lasting relationships & end of relationships. I would, of course, recommend that you read it at your leisure if you are interested (and who wouldn’t be interested?! :)

These are a great set of topics, aren’t they?!? We need to stop sometime so this is a good time.

Let’s move on next to one of the most classic areas of social psychology - “Stereotyping, Discrimination, & Prejudice” – which will be the last material included for Exam 2.