The Psychology of Attraction Love Keys to Attraction

The Psychology of Attraction & Love

Keys to Attraction Environment Similarity Physical Attractiveness

Physical Attractiveness: The Matching Hypothesis • People tend to date, marry, or form committed relationships with those who are similar to themselves in physical attractiveness.

Similarity � Age � Religion � Political Views � Smoking/Drinking Habits � Morning/Evening Person

Environment � Physical Proximity & Comfort � Mere Exposure

Attraction & The Sexes � Expression of Attraction Differences � Trait Differences between males & females?

Male or Female “Mate Traits? ” Example 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Caring personality Hard-working Honest/trustworthy Intelligent Physical appearance Example 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Athletic/active Humor Artistic Positive Attitude Smart Example 3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Outgoing Intelligent Nice Body Athletic Lovable Example 4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Personality Smile Nice lower body Eyes Height Example 5 1. 2. 3. 4. Intelligent Kind Cooperative Talented at something 5. Ambitious Example 6 1. Smile 2. Pretty eyes 3. Good Sense of humor 4. Laughs a lot, jokes a lot 5. Fit body

Mate Selection Hierarchy Males • • • Physical Attractiveness Character Intelligence Personality & Sense of Humor Socioeconomic Status Females • • • Socioeconomic Status Ambition Character Intelligence Personality & Sense of Humor Physical Attractiveness

Intimate Relationships & Love Interdependent • Emotionally/Cognitively/Behaviorally • One person’s emotions, thoughts & behaviors affect the other. Commitment • Psychological Attachment • Feel Rewarded • Invested Resources (tangible & intangible). Strong vs. Weak Marriages • STRONG: Share work/maintain healthy communication • WEAK: Break down in or unhealthy communication which leads to emotional distance.

R. Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love Intimacy • The “feeling” aspect of love. • When we feel close to another. Passion • “Motivating” aspect of love. • Feeling physically aroused & attracted to another. Commitment • The “thinking” aspect of love. • The desire to maintain a relationship over time

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love 7 -9 • High level of the component 4 -6 • Moderate level of the component 1 -3 • Low level of the component