i can explain social reality analyze the 4 elements of attraction explain romantic love copyright ©...

I CANI CAN

• Explain social reality

• Analyze the 4 elements of attraction

• Explain romantic love

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007


Constructing Social Reality:Constructing Social Reality:What Influences OurWhat Influences Our

Judgments of Others?Judgments of Others?

The judgments we make about others depend not only on their

behavior but also on our interpretation of their actions within a social context.

Social Reality An individual’s subjective

interpretation of other people and of relationships with them.

How we see the world and other people!



Interpersonal Attraction

Reward Theory of Attraction A social learning view that says we

like best those who give us maximum rewards at minimum cost

ProximityProximity SimilaritySimilarity

Self-DisclosureSelf-Disclosure Physical Physical AttractivenessAttractiveness

Reward Theory of Attraction

We make friends with, are attracted to, those that are close by us.

We are attracted to those that are most similar to ourselves.


ProximityProximity SimilaritySimilarity

Reward Theory of Attraction

Attraction is enhanced when we share

personal details.

Attraction is enhanced depending upon attractiveness.


Self-DisclosureSelf-Disclosure Physical AttractivenessPhysical Attractiveness


Expectations to the Reward Theory of Attraction

Matching Hypothesis The prediction that most people will find friends and mates that are about their

same level of attractiveness

Expectancy-Value Theory The theory that people decide whether or not to

pursue a relationship by… …weighing the potential value of the

relationship… (physical attractiveness, wit, intelligence, sense of humor)

against ….their expectations of success in establishing

the relationship (Will the person like me?)


In other words….In other words….We initiate relationships

with the most attractive people we think will probably like us in return.


We don’t waste time on relationships that are ‘lost causes’.

One Exception to this is… …the Influence of Low Self-Esteem

Tend to establish relationships with others who share their views… and devalue them.

These people are are more committed to relationships where the other person thinks poorly of them.



Attraction and Self-JustificationCognitive Dissonance

• excessive mental stress and discomfort experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time. This stress and discomfort may also arise within an individual who holds a belief and performs a contradictory action or reaction.• if you are addicted to smoking

cigarettes and continue to smoke despite believing it is unhealthy

• People are only motivated to change their relationships when the cognitive conflicts become overwhelming.

This explains why people remain in relationships that do not work.

Loving Relationships



Romantic Love

A temporary and highly emotional condition based on infatuation and sexual desire.

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

1. Romantic LoveHigh on passion/intimacy, low on commitment

2. InfatuationHigh level of passion, but has not developed into intimacy or a

committed relationship

3. Consummate / Complete LoveInvolved all three…passion, intimacy, and commitment



Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

PassionPassion

IntimacyIntimacy CommitmentCommitment

CAN I?CAN I?

• Explain social reality

• Analyze the 4 elements of attraction

• Explain romantic love


i can explain social reality analyze the 4 elements of attraction explain romantic love copyright ©...

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