With Reference to Psychological Research Discuss Psychological Factors Involved in the Formation of Relationships

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A number of theories have been put forward to explain how many relationships are formed. The reward satisfaction theory suggests the idea of positive reinforcement due to gains or rewards within the relationship; possibly through satisfaction within an individual’s social needs, such as sex, money, social status, self-esteem, ect. Byrne and Clore (1970) state that a possible reason as to why people feel the need for a social relationship is due to the unpleasant and unrewarding feelings associated with being alone. They suggest that both classical and operant conditioning play a part, stating we learn to associate people with positive or enjoyable experiences. Argyle (1992) points out that individuals who are most rewarding ten to be liked the most. However, Cunningham and others have shown that positive feelings of emotion can lead to attraction, therefore contradicting the idea of the satisfaction theory. The formation of relationships from research studies suggest that there are many factors involved in the formation of relationships; such as proximity, similarity and physical attractiveness. Research has been carried out to measure the extent to which proximity affects the formation of relationships. Research conducted by those such as Festinger found, by analysing university students, that those living next door to each other were the most friendliest and those by the stairs were the least. Bosard also found that from five thousand premarital addresses, that half of them lived within walking distance of each other. These studies both support how a close proximity is a positive factor within the formation of relationships, yet do not take into account cultural differences nor that time and travel has rapidly changed. On the other hand, Werner suggested that those who share similar interests in leisure activities may form a relationship. Newcomb found

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