One theory to explain the formation of romantic relationships is the reward theory. The theory that we are attracted to people whose presence is rewarding to us, and that the more rewards that someone provides for us the more we should be attracted to them. Proximity, similarity, physical attractiveness and exposure & familiarity are the key factors which influence initial attraction through their reward value. In a study by Festinger et al. he studied university students and found that students were generally closer to those people living next door and were more distant to those living further away, it was also the same with those living in flats; people living more than 4 doors away were not friends.
Outline and evaluate two theories for the maintenance of relationships One theory for the maintenance of relationships is the social exchange theory by Thibaut and Kelly. This theory consists of people exchanging resources such as time and money with the expectations of gaining a profit from the relationship, the profit being things such as sex or laughter, leading to happiness. This theory holds two comparison levels of the relationship to determine its maintenance, firstly the comparison between previous and ideal relationships occur, in which we weigh up the rewards of our previous or current relationships to our ideal, and see if the difference is significant, if so we may reconsider maintaining the relationship. Secondly we compare our current relationship to our alternative options of relationships, if we believe we shall gain greater profit of social exchange else where we may also reconsider carrying on. Rusbult and Martz used this theory to explain why victims of domestic abuse remain in relationships, as they may still be in profit from the relationship despite the ‘cost’ of abuse.
Concepts of Interdependence, Attachment, and Belonging (Related to Intimacy) Explained Interdependence Interdependence means that people in an intimate relationship rely on each other for setting goals based on each other behaviors. It brings people in a relationship closer to form an intimate relationship, as well as strengthens that relationship. According to Fiske (2010), interdependence does help people in a relationship the potential to form intense emotions. In other words two people in a relationship that work together and overlap in that work will have a stronger relationship over the couple that do not work together as closely and does not have overlapping work. Interdependence can have an effect on each person in the relationship.
Topic Sentence Happiness is good no matter how it comes but of the two ideas, happiness found in the joy of being around others is stronger. B. Quotes in support 1. “I think that one can also experience this feeling of existence in the experience of love, in being intimate with one’s lover, feeling the world close around one and time slips away in its passing” (Critchley, 2009, p. 448). 2.
Because they place a high value on emotional satisfaction, older adults often spend more time with familiar individuals with whom they have had rewarding relationships[1]. This selective narrowing of social interaction maximizes positive emotional experiences and minimizes emotional risks as individuals become older. According to this theory, older adults systematically hone their social networks so that available social partners satisfy their emotional needs. [1] The theory also focuses on the types of goals that individuals are motivated to achieve. Knowledge-related goals aim at knowledge acquisition, career planning, the development of new social relationships and other endeavors that will pay off in the future.
The comparison level for alternatives, on the other hand, is concerned with the benefits of possible alternative relationships. We compare the outcomes of the reference relationship with others that we could be in and if this potential relationship is favourable the current relationship may end. Equity Theory proposed by Walster et al is the second theory of relationship maintenance and is an extension of the SET but focusses on fairness. Equity Theory suggests four principles that underpin equity in relationships. Firstly, that people try to maximize their rewards.
In this document, research on matching communication styles will be explored, as well as language matching websites. While matching communication styles can enhance a relationship and those with similar styles are found to enter into romantic partnerships, this one element is not necessarily the holy grail of happy and lasting romantic or business connections. Article Reflection According to the article by Bowman, matched language or similar communication styles by couples is able to predict “mutual romantic interest and stable relationships,” because couples who share similar communication styles are thought to communicate better, listen more effectively to one another, and simply be more in-tune to their partner. It is the author’s conclusion that language matching shows how deep a personal and romantic connection is that “romantic ties may indeed benefit from matching conversational styles” (Bower, 2010). However, the article also notes that language style matching not only waxes and wanes during long-term relationships, but also that there is more in a relationship than just
People who take risks in order to help others or society are seen as displaying pro social behavior. Pro social behavior can be defined as behavior that benefits another person or has positive social consequences (Staub 1978). There has been research that demonstrates that culture does play a role in someone's probability to help in a certain situation. Family structure and social identity theory seem to be the main influences of culture on differences in pro-social behavior, indicated by research in this field. There are strengths and limitations to this research however.
He is saying that human beings try and steer away from pain and drive toward getting as much pleasure as possible. Bentham saw this as a moral fact. The word utilitarianism comes from the word utility meaning usefulness. Bentham theory of utilitarianism may have been influenced by this as he believes in the greatest happiness for the greatest number. This theory is related to utility as he is saying that if more people are happier this will be more useful across the world.
It is separate from personal identity – which is the part of our self-concept that derives from the way we perceive our personality traits and the personal relationships we have with other people (Turner, 1982). Whereas personal identity is associated with interpersonal behaviours, social identity is related to intergroup behaviours. This theory highlights social belonging and affiliation within successful groups in order to boost self-esteem. The motivation to show the superiority of our ingroup compared to relevant outgroups. By thus establishing the superiority of our ingroup, we make sure that our social identities, and therefore our self-esteem, are positive enough.