Filter Model of Relationships

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Outline and evaluate the Filter Model of Relationships The Filter Model was proposed by Kerckhoff & Davis (1962) in an attempt to explain how relationships are formed. The filter model argues that relationships are formed through three filters - based on social and demographic variables, similarity of attitudes and values, and the complementarity of emotional needs. Additionally, different factors are important at different times. Potential partners are filtered out using the filter model from the field of availables, the group of possible people that one can have a relationship with, this group is gradually narrowed down until it becomes a relative small field of desirables, people whom one would consider as potential partners. The filters that we use to make such decisions include social and demographics variables, this filter often exerts its influence without us even being aware of it. People tend to mix with people who are similar to oneself in several ways, such as living in the same area and go to college or work in the same place, and we often hardly come across people who live or work in places further away. So we are limited to a fairly small selection of people who are similar in educational or economic background and social class, these people then make up the field of availables. Little attention is made to individual characteristics at this stage. Once people start going out together the next filter is the similarity of attitudes and values. When people share similar attitudes and beliefs it makes communication easier and enable the relationship to progress. However, if they think differently and share few views about the world, communication may be difficult. At this stage people with different attitudes, values and interests may be filtered out and the relationship may not continue. Once a couple have become
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