• Physical attractiveness stereotype: assume more likely to possess other socially desirable traits- SELF-FULFILLING
• Averegeness effect: average faces most attractive- Evolution: prototypicality=health=fertility

LAW OF ATTRACTION

linear relationship between attraction and proportion of similar attitudes.

People tend to be attracted to others at the same level of attractiveness.

Equity

The propinquity effect- proximity

Tendency to like those close to us.

Mere Exposure Effect

repeated exposure

familiarity means more comfortable

Balance Theory

Choose the company of similar others.

• People compare their attitudes with others and reach balance if there is similarity
• —Balance enhances positive feelings and attraction
• —Attitude dissimilarity causes imbalance

Excitation Transfer; when the arousal of one stimulus is added to the arousal of another,the overall arousal is misattributed to the second stimulus.

Shaky bridge experiment

• Need to affiliate; fundamental to our psychological wellbeing. Situational (eg. fear of death salient, times of trouble) and dispositional factors (difference in people's personal need to affiliate).
• Emotions; positive emotions=positive evaluation (and viceversa). Can be direct or indirect.
• Similarity of attitudes, values and interests; Allows people to find balance in a relationship. Byrne's 'Law of Attraction'/ Heider's 'Balance Theory'. Mutual self-disclosure builds trust. *People from similar backgrounds more attracted.

Minimax strategy.

Comparison Level: past experiences/ alternatives

Equity rather than what you can get.

Adams:

People attempt to restore balance.

Overbenefitting: guilt

Underbenefitting: anger, resent

Like people who are present when something good happens.

*Specially if reward immediate

*Dopamine

Liking: want to like the person

Love: liking+ trust

In love: liking + love + sexual desire

Love as a triangle: Passion/ commitment/ Intimacy

Interactions give different types of love

All three: consummate love

Love Styles:

Eros- passionate

Storge- companionate

Mania- possessive

Agape- selfless

Ludus- game playing

Pragma- logical

Wish/ intention to stay in a relationship.

Depends on attraction to partner and perceived negative consequences of leaving the relationship.

Investment model of commitment

Investments/ Satisfactions/ (lack of) Alternatives = commitment 

Adultery, behaviour and separation highest determinants.

Cultural differences, according to norms of obligation and commitment.

Relationship success: similar backgrounds, experiences, education level, commitment etc.