Stage Theories of Relationships Levinger 1980 all relationships

Stage Theories of Relationships

• Levinger, 1980 – all relationships go through 5 stages • Acquaintance/Initial Attraction – initial attraction based on physical attributes and similarities (Matching Hypothesis) • Build up – share more about ourselves and grown more interdependent. • Consolidation/Continuation – Commit to the relationship on a lifelong basis. • Deterioration/Decline • Ending ABCDE Model

• Explains what happens in a relationship not why it is formed (evolutionary theory) or why it is maintained (SET) • Lack of evidence for these fixed stages. Evaluation of ABCDE Model

• Bernard Murstein, 1976, 1987. • Stimulus Stage – assess physical attractiveness and similarities (Matching Hypothesis) • Value stage – compatible values become important for maintaining relationships. • Role Stage – Establish roles in effort to build relationships. Stimulus-Value-Role Theory (SVS)

üEmphasises factors (causes) not just stages. üDuck, 1999. Clearly defined and observed roles are important factors in successful relationships. SVS Stage Evaluation

• If you need to revise or clarify anything that we have covered so far then use SCHOLAR to add to your notes Unit 3 – 6. 1 to 6. 5. • If you are happy with what we have completed so far and completed the above task last week the move on to section 6. 6 “Individual, social and cultural variations in contemporary relationships” • Both of these tasks MUST be completed by all pupils either in class or at home by the end of this week. SCHOLAR Tasks

• In pairs research: • The top 40 singles this week • The top 10 singles for this week for the last 2 years. • Categorise each of these songs into one of the following headings: Forming relationships Maintaining relationships Breakdown of relationships All About That Bass – Meghan Traynor (arguably) All of Me – John Legend I’m Not The Only One – Sam Smith Task