Outline and Evaluate the Filter Theory and Reward/ Need Satisfaction Theory of Relationship Formation

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ESSAY QUESTION: Outline and Evaluate the Filter Theory and Reward/ Need Satisfaction Theory of Relationship Formation (C. 400 Words – 12 Marks) All relationships are initiated upon the basis of meeting and getting to know one another. However, maintaining a close relationship with individuals has various dependable factors that need to be taken into consideration. Regardless of whether or not there is a strong attraction between two individuals may be affected primarily due to issues of proximity, wherein the inconvenience of living too far apart may cause complications in the development and maintenance of a relationship. Another factor may be due to the fact that although the relationship appears to be fully functional during the early and premature stages, it will later terminate as a result of not being able to meet the needs of the partner. However, in order to grasp a fuller idea about the concept of ‘Relationship Formation’, two theories have been developed that may provide a more in depth explanation. The Filter Model, theorised by Kerckhoff & Davis (1962) states that all relationships develop through three prior stages of filtering, so that we take into consideration that different factors are essential at different times. Kerckhoff & Davis referred to the concept ‘Field of Availables’ as being a large group of people that we could potentially develop a relationship with. Then through further filtering, we are then able to ‘filter out’ other potential partners, again due to different reasons at different times, until finally our ‘Field of Availables’ is narrowed down to a reasonably small ‘Field of Desirables’, which is inclusive of those individuals who meet our set criteria when choosing a potential partner in developing a successful relationship with. The first stage in the filtering process involves ‘Social/Demographic Variables’, which
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