Relationships Flashcards Preview

Psychology Alevel > Relationships > Flashcards

Flashcards in Relationships Deck (176)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What is anisogamy

A

The differences between the male and female sex cells e.g sperm are small, mobile and continuously produced whereas ova are large, static and produced with a limited

2
Q

What are he consequences of anisogamy

A

There are plenty of fertile males but fewer females and this gives rise to different mating strategies

3
Q

What is inter-sexual selection

A

Selection of mates between sexes e.g females selecting males. This is the preferred strategy of the female - quality over quantity.

4
Q

Why is it crucial that females are choosy in terms of a mates reproductive fitness

A

The female invests more time, commitment and other resources before during and after the birth of her offspring. They want to choose a male that will provide healthy offspring and support them with resources.

5
Q

Example of the preference of females determining which attributes are passed on

A

If height is a genuine marker of fitness in males the females who choose the tallest mates will have greatest reproductive success. Innate preferences for tallness is psssed on to daughters who choose tall men and are more reproductively successful. Over time taller and taller men are selected. Known as a runaway process

6
Q

What is intra-sexual selection

A

Involved males competing with others males for mates. Have to compete because females are limited and choosy. Men who compete successfully can pass on their genes and therefore traits that led to their success are continued. Quantity over quality

7
Q

What certain patterns of human reproductive behaviour does intra-sexual selection lad to

A

Male aggression - those who act aggressively are more likely to win a competition with other males

Preference for youthful and fertile woman - better chance of reproductive success

Male desire to optimise mating chances by fertilising as many females as possible - ensures preference genes to the next generation

8
Q

What is human reproductive behaviour

A

Any behaviour which related to opportunities to reproduce and thereby increase the survival changes of our geneS. Includes evolutionary mechanisms underlying our partner preferences

9
Q

Strength for the relationship between intra-sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour

A

Research support. Buss surveyed 10,000 adults in 33 countries asking about partner preference. Females placed greater value on resource related characteristics than males did whereas males valued reproductive capacity. Supports sex differences due to anisogamy and the findings can be applied across many cultures

10
Q

Strength of the relationship between inter-sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour

A

Research support. Clark and Hatfield sent students onto a campus to ask other students to have sex with them. No females agreed but 75% of males did. Supports the suggestion that female choosiness is a reality and mars have evolved to ensure their reproductive success

11
Q

Limitation of the evolutionary idea of partner preferences

A

Partner preferences have changed too rapidly to be explained in evolutionary terms. Chang reported preferences have changed while others stayed the same over 25 years in china. Suggests that both evolutionary and cultural influences must be taken into account when explaining human reproductive behaviour

12
Q

What are the theee factors affecting attraction

A

Self disclosure
Physical attractiveness
Filter theory

13
Q

Four theories of romantic relationships

A

Social exchange theory
Equity theory
Rusbults investment model
Ducks phase model

14
Q

What does self disclosure early in a relationship enable

A

Partners to better understand each other

15
Q

Who decided the social penetration theory

A

Altman and Taylor

16
Q

What does the social penetration theory suggest

A

When a partner reveals personal information they display trust. Development of the relationship require the other person to reveal sensitive informations. Increasing disclosure allows a partner to penertrate into the other persons life leading to increased understanding of other person

17
Q

What does a recognition that a partner is willing to reveal sensitive information about themselves indicate

A

A relationship has reached a certain development stage

18
Q

How does social penetration theory explain how self disclosure leads to development in relationships

A

As partners increasingly disclose more information then romantic partners penetrate more deeply into each other’s lives and gain greater understanding

19
Q

What is the breadth and depth of self disclosure as the beginning of a relationship

A

Limited. A lot of information if revealed but the depth is narrow and the content superficial as we avoid offlimit subjects

20
Q

As relationships develop what is likely to happen

A

We become more likely to reveal intimate information including painful memories and secrets

21
Q

Who suggested there needs to be reciprocity in self disclosure for a relationship to develop

A

Reis and Shaver

22
Q

Strength of social penetration theory

A

Support from research studies. Hendrick found strong correlations between several measures of satisfaction and self disclosure in heterosexual couples supporting the theory.

23
Q

Strength of social penetration theory (applications)

A

Real life applications. Hass and Stafford found that 57% of gay people in their study said that open and honest self disclosure was a main way they maintained and deepened their relationship. Couples who use small talk can be encouraged to increase self disclosure to deepen their relationships. Supports people who are experiencing relationship problems

24
Q

Limitation of social penetration theory

A

Do not apply to all cultures. Tang concluded that men and women in US self disclosure is significantly more sexual thoughts and feeling than men and women in China. Both have self disclosure but different types so it is a limited explanation of romantic relationships which are not necessarily generalisable

25
Q

What is physical attractiveness related to

A

Symmetry, honest signal of genetic fitness because being symetrical requires robust genes. Therefore a partner who selects someone with a symmetrical Face is more likely to produce offspring with robust genes.

26
Q

What is an honest signal

A

One that can’t easily be faked

27
Q

What is physical attractiveness

A

Usually applies specifically to how appealing we find a persons face. General agreement across cultures about what is considered physically attractive

28
Q

What are neotenous features

A

Baby face hypothesis.

Baby like features like widely separated eyes and small nose

29
Q

Why are neotenous features seen as physically attractive

A

They are thought to trigger protective and caring instincts.

30
Q

What kind of explanations are based on physical attractiveness

A

Evolutionary ones. We have evolved a liking for physical attractiveness because it is a signal of high quality

31
Q

What did McNulty found

A

The initial attractiveness coninuted to be an important feature of the relationships after marriage, for at least several years

32
Q

What does the halo effect describe

A

How we hold preconceived ideas about other attributes of attractive people and those other attributes are overwhelmingly positive because of the persons physical attractiveness

33
Q

What did Dion find

A

That physically attractive people are consistently rated as kind, strong, sociable and successful compared with unattractive people. Suggested that certain characteristics have a disproportionate effect on judgements of other characters

34
Q

Who came up with the matching hypothesis

A

Walster et al

35
Q

What does the matching hypothesis state

A

We choose partners that are often of the same level of attractiveness to ourselves and to do this we need to assess our own value to a potential partner.

36
Q

Why is choosing a partner basically a compromise

A

Evolutionary theories suggest we seek the most attractive mates but we have to balance the potential for being rejected because the partner we aim for is ‘out of our league’ in terms of attractiveness

37
Q

Strength of the halo effect

A

Research support. Palmer and Peterson found that physically attractive people were rated as more politically knowledgable and competent than unattractive people. Obvious implications for political process suggesting that politicians might be elected because they are considered physically attractive by voters. Suggests the halo effect can be observed in real life sitstuions

38
Q

Limitation for the matching hypothesis

A

Mixed support. we choose our partners based on our own attractiveness. However more recently Taylor found that online daters sought dated with potential partners that were more attractive than themselves. This does not support the hypothesis and suggests it no longer explains preference in a useful way

39
Q

Strength of consistency of what is considered attractive

A

What is found attractive is pretty similar across cultures. Cunningham found that females with large eyes, prominent cheekbones, small nose and high eyebrows were rated attractive by white, Hispanic and Asian males. Consistency across cultures suggest that physical attractiveness is culturally independent and may have evolutionary roots

40
Q

Limitation of not everyone seeing physical attractiveness as important

A

Participants who scored highly on the MACHO scale were more influenced by attractiveness when making judgment of likability. Lowers scorers were less influenced. Seems that individual differences play a role in physical attractiveness. Suggests that effects of physical attractiveness can be moderated by other factors and may not be as significant a consideration in relationship forming for all partners

41
Q

Who proposed the filter theory

A

Kerckoff and Davis

42
Q

What does the filter theory explain

A

Attraction in terms The attitude and personalities of people. First we consider the field availables and from those we select the field desirables

43
Q

What is the field of availabled

A

The pool of potential partners who are accessible to us

44
Q

What is the field of desirables

A

Narrowed down field of availables. Selected via three factors which are of differing important st different stages of a relationships

45
Q

What are the three filters in the filter theory

A

Social demography
Similarity in attitudes
Complementarity

46
Q

What is social demographic

A

Features that describe populations including geographical location and social class. Filters out large number of partners

47
Q

What is the filter similarity in attitudes mean

A

Partners that share our basic values are attractive in the earlier stages of a relationship so we tend to discount available invididuals who differ

48
Q

What is complementarity

A

Similarity becomes less important as relationship develops, it’s replaced by a need for your partner to balance your traits with opposite ones of their own

49
Q

Examples of social demography factors

A

Proximity
Social clsss
Education

50
Q

What is homogamy

A

Likelihood we are likely to form a relationship with someone who shares many social and culutrual similarities as we find this attractive

51
Q

How long did Kerckoff and Davis suggest similarity in attitudes is important in a relationship

A

Only for the couples who had been together less than 18 months.
In early stages of a relationship agreeing on basic values encourages communication and self disclosure

52
Q

What did Byrne find

A

Similarity in attitudes causes attention and describes it as the law of attraction, stressing its important. Where similarities don’t exist relationships fade quickly

53
Q

Example of complementarity

A

One partner may enjoy making someone laugh and the other one enjoy laughing

54
Q

When is complementarity important

A

In longer term/later stages of a relationship

55
Q

Strength of the filter theory

A

Research support. Winch found similarity of personality etc are typical in earliest stages of relationship but complementarity is needed to keep a relationship going. Supports st least two of the filters proposed in filter theory. Validity of theory has been supported in surveys of actual relationships

56
Q

Limitation of filter theory

A

Lacks temporal validity. As the dating world changed to become increasingly only social demography has taken on less importance as the likelihood of dating someone outside of your culture has increased. Not predicted by the the theory shows it lacks temporal validity

57
Q

Limitation of filter theory (complementarity)

A

Complementarity may not become more important than similarity. Rusbult discovered an attitude alignment effect in long term relationships. Romantic partners bring their attitudes to align with one and others suggesting similarity is an effect of initial attraction and not a cause. Suggests complementarity filter may not be reached in the case of all relationships and therefore the validity of filter theory is questioned

58
Q

What has the increase in use of social media mean

A

Psychologists have to look at differences between the relationships formed and maintained online and those formed face to face

59
Q

What are virginal relationships also known as

A

Computer-mediated communication (CMC)

60
Q

What are the two main theories about virtual raltionshios

A

Reduced cues theory

Hyperpersonal model

61
Q

What does the reduced cues theory state

A

CMC relationships are less effective because they lack many of the nonverbal cues we rely on in FTF interactions such as our physical appear each and an indictstion of our emotion

62
Q

Who created the reduced cues theory

A

Sproull and Kiesler

63
Q

What is emotional state normally indicated by

A

Tone of voice and facial expressions

64
Q

What does the lack of cues lead to

A

De-individuation and disinhibitation follows because people feel freer form the constraints of societies norms. Lead to blunt and even aggressive communication

65
Q

What is de-individuation

A

A psychological state where an individual loses their personal identity and takes on the identity of a social group

66
Q

What is disinhibition

A

Normal social constraints against certain behaviours can be weakened by environmental triggers

67
Q

What is the upside to lack of cues

A

Lack of self disclosure

68
Q

What does the hyperpersonal model propose

A

Early self disclosure means that CMC relationships develop quickly and can become more intense and intimate. They can also end more quickly because of a mix match between low levels of trust and high excitement

69
Q

Who proposed the hyperpersonal model

A

Walther

70
Q

Why does the hyperpersonal model suggest that self disclosure is different in CMC rather than FTF

A

Because of the opportunity to manipulate an online image to decide what and how they present themselves. This means people feel less accountable for their actions and disclose more than they would to their close non-online partners

71
Q

Who argued that a huge advantage of CMC is the absence of gating

A

McKenna and Bargh

72
Q

What is the absence of gating

A

FTF relationships often fail to form because of obstacles like a stammer a facial disfigurement etc but online these ‘gates’ are absent allowing virtual relationships to begin and develop in a way they perhaps couldn’t in an offline world

73
Q

Why is the absence of gating good

A

Because relationships can develop to the point where self disclosure becomes more frequent and deeper and the gates are less of an issue

74
Q

Example of somebody benefiting from absense of gating

A

Introvert can become more extrovert online and their personality is no longer an obstacle

75
Q

Negative example of absense of gating

A

A man can become a woman

76
Q

Strength for absense of gating

A

Support. McKenna and Bargh found that lonely and anxious people could express their true selves online. 70% of the relationships formed online survived more than two years which is higher than those that formed offline. Suggests that CMC can be helpful to support people who are socially anxious to help build relationships. Supports the absense of gating.

77
Q

Limitation of explanations of virtual relationships

A

Fail to recognise the multimodel nature of CMCs. Theories need to incorporate the fact that relationships are usually conducted both online and offline. The online interaction will influence the FTF interaction including the self disclosure so they should be considered together not separately. Suggests that current theories may underestimate the complexity of virtual relationships

78
Q

Limitation of reduced cues theory

A

Lack of research support. Walther asserted that cues in CMCs are simply different from those in FTF ones. Suggests there’s plenty of cues in CMC but they are just not the nonverbal ones in FTF. Emojis are considered effective substitutes in CMCs so the proposals of reduced cues seems unfounded. Suggests no difference in self disclosure between CMC and FTF relationships which doesn’t support reduced cues theory

79
Q

Strength of the hyperpersonal model

A

Supporting research. Whitty found evidence for both hyper honest and hyperdisonest online disclosures. For example questions asked online tend to be very direct and probing but FTF discussions hedge around small talk. Consistent with the prediction of the hyperpersonal model that these are distinctive types of disclosure in CMC

80
Q

Who created the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS)

A

Maltby

81
Q

What is a parasocial relationship

A

A three step description of one sided relationships

82
Q

The three levels of parasocial relationships

A

Entertainment-social level
Intense personal level
Borderline pathological

83
Q

What is the entertainment social level

A

Least intense level. Celebrities are viewed as a source of entertainment and fuel for social interaction

84
Q

What is the intense personal level

A

Intermediate level where someone becomes more personally involved with a ncelebrite which may involve obsessive thoughts

85
Q

What’s the borderline pathological level

A

Strongest level of celebrity worship where fantasies are uncontrollable and behaviour is more extreme

86
Q

Who created the absorption-addiction model

A

McCuteon

87
Q

What is the absorption-addiction model

A

Explains parasocial relationships as total absorption into a celebrity’s life, plus an addictive striving for stronger involvement

88
Q

What does McCutcheon believe his absorption addiction model suggest about parasocial relationships

A

They make up for the deficiencies in people life’s like lack of fulfilment and an escape from mundane life

89
Q

What is absorption in the absorption addiction model

A

Seeking fulfilment in celebrity worship motives the individual to focus much of their attention of the celebrity to become absorbed in the celebrity’s existence and identify with them

90
Q

What is addiction in the absorption addiction model

A

Like a physiological addiction, the individual needs to increase their dose of involvement to continue to feels stisfied. This may lead to more extreme behaviours and delusional thinking

91
Q

How does Bowlbys attachment theory link early attachment problems to parasocial relatiosnhuos

A

Suggests that earthly difficulties in attachment leads to difficulties forming successful relationships later in life. Such difficulties may lead to preference for forming parasocial relationships to replace those within ones own social cicrcle because parasocial relationships do not require the same skills

92
Q

Which attachment type are most likely to form parasocial relationships

A

Insecure-resistant because they want to have their unfulfilled needs met in a relationship where there is no real threat of rejection, break up or disappointment

93
Q

Which attachment type avoids the pain and rejection of relatiosnhuos all together

A

Insecure avoidant

94
Q

Limitation of the attachment theory linking to parasocial relationships

A

Support is poor. mcCutcheon found that participants with insecure attachments were no more likely to form parasocial relationships with celebrities than participants with secure attachment types. This is a key assumption of this explanation and failure to find support for it raises a crucial question about the validity. Limitation of using attachment theory because it had little predictive strength

95
Q

Strength of the absorption-addiction model

A

Research support. maltby found links between celebrity worship and body image with female adolescents reporting to have and intense personal relationship with a female celebrity whose shape they admired. These females had poor body image which can be a precursor to development of eating disorders such as anorexia nervous. Supports the model because it shows a correlation between the level of celebrity worship and different or disordered psychological functioning

96
Q

Limitation of the absorption-addiction model

A

It is descriptive rather than explanatory. Describes the characteristics of people involved with celebrities at different levels of intensity but not why the different forms develop. Does not help us prevent the more dangerous and disturbing forms. Limited in explanatory power and it’s application for supporting people whose celebrity worship has become problematic

97
Q

Strength of attachment explanations in parasocial relationships

A

Cross cultural resection. Schmidt and Klimmt found similar levels of parasocial attachment to Harry Potter in an individualist culture (Germany) and a collectivist culture (mexico). So it would seem this tendency is not culturally specific. Suggest the need to form parasocial relationships may be universal and innate, perhaps an adaptive behaviour

98
Q

Who created the social exchange theory

A

Thibault and Kelley

99
Q

What does the social exchange theory assumed

A

That satisfaction in a relationship is judged in economic terms. Partners conideiser the profit that a relationship provides the with by judging the perceived value of costs minus the value of rewards

100
Q

What is the minimax principle in social change theory

A

Trying to maximise profits and minimising costs and ensuring they are getting the best possible amount of rewardsz

101
Q

If profit is perceived to be high in a relationship what is likely to happen

A

The relationship is most likely to continue

102
Q

What are example of costs in social exchange theory

A

Time and stress

103
Q

Example of reward in the social exchange theory

A

Sex
Praise
Companionship
Opportunity cost

104
Q

What is opportunity cost

A

Your investment of time and energy in your currtent relationship means using resources that you cannot invest elsewhere

105
Q

What is the comparison level

A

The judgment of the reward level that we expect in a relationship.

106
Q

What is the CL determined by

A

Previous relationships and social norms. Social norms are reflections of relationships in the media and over time we learn more about what we should expect

107
Q

Why might someone have a low CL

A

If they have low self esteem their comparison line will be low so they will pursue a lower style relationship

108
Q

What is the comparison level for alternatives (CLalt)

A

Involved considering whether we might gain more rewards and endure fewer costs in a different relationship, assuming that we select only one partner. Theory predicts that we will remain in a relationship despite available alternatives when we consider it more rewarding than others

109
Q

What did Duck suggest about the CLalt

A

That there are always alternatives around but we only notice them if we are unsatisfied e.g costs are running high in a relationship and profit low

110
Q

What are the stages a relationship goes through as proposed by the social exchange theory

A

Sampling stage
Bargaining stage
Commitment stage
Institutionalisation stage

111
Q

What is the sampling stage

A

We explore the rewards and costs of raltionships by experimenting in our own relationships and observing those of others

112
Q

What’s the bargaining stage

A

Occurs st the start of a relationship where romantic partners negotiate around costs and benefits

113
Q

What’s the commitment stage

A

Relationships are more stable and costs decrease will rewards increase

114
Q

What is the institutionalisation stage in the social exchange theory

A

Partners become settled and he norms of a relationship are established

115
Q

Limitation of social exchange theory

A

Assumes all relationships are based on economic exchange. Clark and Mills suggested that Some relationships can be exchanged based e.g work colleagues but communal relationships like romantic partners are marked by giving and receiving of rewards without calculating profits. Suggests that SET may not provide a suitable explanation for the course of all types of relationships

116
Q

Limtation of SET (equity)

A

It does not consider equity. Focuses on comparison levels but ignores the fact that many romantic partners desire fairness or equity. Much research support for role of equity in relationships e.g Hatfield found that couples who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves overbenefitting or underbenefiting. Suggests SET is a limited explanation of relationships only accounting for a proportion of the research findingsZ

117
Q

What is equity

A

A state of balance or fairness

118
Q

What is underbenefitting

A

In equity theory where the perceived ratio of costs to rewards is perceived as low and unfair leading to dissatisfaction

119
Q

What is overbenefitting

A

In equity theory where the Percieved ratio of costs to rewards is perceived as high and unfair leading to dissatisfaction

120
Q

Limitation of SET (dissatisfaction before lack of profit)

A

SET proposes people become dissatisfied when costs outweighs rewards or alternatives present themselves. Miller found that people who rated themselves in a highly committed relationship spent ‘less time looking’ at images of attractive people. Could be argued that SET assumes the wrong direction of cause and effect. Rather than lack of profit leading to dissatisfaction it can be argued we don’t consider profit until after we are disatisifed

121
Q

Who peppered the equity theory

A

Walster

122
Q

What is the equity theory

A

Both partners level of profit should be roughly the same and is fair

123
Q

When can a lack of equity occur

A

When one partner overbenefits and the other underbeenfits from the relationship. This can cause dissatisfaction and unhappiness

124
Q

What feeling would an underbenefitting partener feel

A

Anger and resentment

125
Q

What feelings would the overbenefitting partner fee

A

Discomfort and shame

126
Q

What are satisfying relationships thought to involve

A

Negotiations to achieve and maintain equity. Often the negotiations involve trade offs to achieve a sense of fairness.

127
Q

Example of equity

A

One partner puts a lot into the relationship but also gets a lot out of it it will seem fair

128
Q

What does equity theory predict a strong correlation between

A

The greater the perceived inequality; the greater the dissatisfation.applies to both overbenefitting partner and under.

129
Q

When are changed in equity likely to occur

A

During a relationship. At the beginning It may feel natural to contribute more than you receive but if the situation doesn’t change as the relationship develops the satisfaction with the relationship will fall

130
Q

The greater the inequality the more….

A

Work is required to restore a sense of fairness

131
Q

When inequality is addressed in a relationship what kind of change is it

A

A cognitive one as opposed to a behavioural one

132
Q

Example of a cognitive change in the equality theory

A

The partner will revise their perceptions of rewards and costs so that the relationship feels more equitable to them even if nothing changes

133
Q

What are the negatives of a cognitive change in equity theory

A

If the perception of rewards and costs are revised then actual abuse can become accepted as the norm for the relationship - reframing ‘cruelty’ as a form of rough treatment for your own good

134
Q

Limitation of equity theory (not apply)

A

Might not apply to all relationships. Clark and Mills suggest we should establish between different types of relationships like business and romantic. Studies show that equity plays a central role in casual friendships and work relationships but the evidence that equity is important in relationships is limited. Limitednsupport for equity theory in romantic relationships and it may be better at explaining other forms of relationships

135
Q

Limitation of equity theory (satisfied relationships)

A

Satisfied relationships don’t become more equitable over time. Berg and McQuinn found that equity did not increase in their longitudinal study of dating couples as equity theory predicts. Other variables like self disclosure seemed to be more important. strong criticism because it was based on real couples studied over time

136
Q

Strength of equity theory

A

Research supports. Utne surveyed 118 recently married couples measuring equity with self report. Found that couples who considered their relationships equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves under/over benefiting. Seems profit is not the key in judging relationships rather it s equity. Research supports central predictions of equity theory supporting the validity as an explanation of romantic relationships

137
Q

Who produced the investment model

A

Rusbult

138
Q

What is rusbult investment model

A

Development of social exchange suggesting that commitment depends on satisfaction level, comparison with alternatives and investment size

139
Q

What is a satisfying relationship

A

Where he partners are getting more out of the relationship than they expect, given social norms and their previous experiences

140
Q

What does the investment model suggest that commitment to a relationship is based on

A

Investment
Satisfaction
Comparison with alternatives

141
Q

What is investment

A

The resources associated with a romantic relationship which the partner would lose if the relationship were to end

142
Q

What is satisfaction level

A

The extent to which a romantic partner feels the rewards of he relationship exceed the costs

143
Q

What is comparison with alternatives

A

Judgement partners make concerning whether a relationship with a different partner would bring more rewards and fewer costs

144
Q

What are 5 relationship maintenance mechanisms

A
Accommodation
Willingness to sacrifice 
Forgiveness 
Positive illusions 
Ridiculing alternatives
145
Q

What are the two types of investment

A

Intrinsic

Extrinsic

146
Q

What is intrinsic investment

A

Any resource we put directly into the relationship including tangible items like money or intangible ideas like energy and self disclosure

147
Q

What is extrinsic investment

A

Resources they previously did not feature in the relationship but are now sssocisted with it. Theses include tangible items like a house or intangible shared memories

148
Q

What does the investment model focus on the determining factor

A

Commitment

149
Q

What is commitment

A

A romantic partners intention or restore to continue a relationship , reflecting a belief that the relationship has w viable long term future

150
Q

When can we conifidently say we are committed to he relationship

A

High levels of satisfaction
Alternatives are less attractive
Sizes of investments are increasing

151
Q

What does the investment model say a dissatisfied partner will stay in a relationship

A

Level of investment they have made. They will be willing to work hard to repair problems in the relationship so their investment is not wasted

152
Q

What is accomodstion

A

Promoting the relationship

153
Q

What is willingness to sacrifice

A

Putting the partners interests first

154
Q

What is forgiveness

A

Forgiving them for any serious transgression

155
Q

What are positive illusions

A

A partner may be unrealistically positive about their partner

156
Q

What is derogation of alternatives

A

A partner may be negative about tempting alternatives/ other people relationships

157
Q

Strength of investment model

A

May explain why people stay in abusive relationship. Rusbult found that women who reported making the greatest investment and who had the fewest attractive alternatives were likely to return to the partners who abused them z satisfaction can’t explain this but commitment can. Strength because it explained the inexplicable behaviour of staying in an abusive relationship

158
Q

Limitation of the investment model

A

Goodfriend and Agnew argue that I’m the early stages of a relationship, few investments have been made and the model needs to take into account investment in future plans. Investment in future plans motivate partners to commit so that the plans can become a reality. This means that the original model is a limited explanation ass it fails to consider the true complexity of investment

159
Q

Strength of the investment model (support)

A

Research support for the model. Le and Agnew review 52 studies from 5 countries. Found that satisfaction, comparison with alternatives and investment all predict relationship commitment. Relationships with the best commitment was the greatest were he most stable and lasted longest. Suggests that the claim that these factors are universally important in relationship is valid ( the study was heterosexual and homosexual)

160
Q

Who produced the investment model

A

Rusbult

161
Q

What is rusbult investment model

A

Development of social exchange suggesting that commitment depends on satisfaction level, comparison with alternatives and investment size

162
Q

Who created the phase model

A

Duck

163
Q

What is ducks phase model

A

A Relationship breakdown is a process that takes time and goes through four distinct phases

164
Q

What are the four phases of ducks model

A

Intra-psychic phase
Dyadic phase
Social phase
Grave-dressing phase

165
Q

What is a threshold in ducks phases of attachment

A

Their perception of the relationship changes. At this point a person may decide the relationship isn’t so bad and then the process of breakdown stops or they cross the threshold into the next stage in the process of breakdown

166
Q

What is the threshold in the intrapsychic stage

A

I can’t stand this anymore - indicating a determination that something has changed

167
Q

Explain the intra-psychic phase

A

Once a partner cannot carry on with the relationship in its current form thy will start to brood on the reasons for their dissatisfaction, centring mostly on their partners shortcomings.

Keeps their thoughts private, weighing up the pros and cons of the relationships

168
Q

What is the threshold for the dyadic phase

A

I would be justified in withdrawing

169
Q

What is the dyadic phase

A

Once a partner reaches the conclusion that they would be justified to end the relationship they can no longer avoid discussing this with th it partner.

Phase may vary in length and in intensity of hostility and anxiety

170
Q

What is the threshold of the social phase

A

I mean it

171
Q

What is the social phase

A

Once a partner becomes clear that they want to end the relationship then they will seek support and try to forge pacts amongst join friends who may be encouraged to choose sides.

Some friends try to prevent the break up but this is usually the point of no return

172
Q

What is the threshold for the grave digging phase

A

It’s now inevitable

173
Q

What is the grave dressing phase

A

Once the end of the relationship is inevitable then the final phase begins and a suitable story of the relationship and it’s end is prepared for wider consumption. Certainly include an attempt to ensure that the storyteller will be judged more favourably than their ex partner.

This story is necesssry for partners can move on

174
Q

Limitation of ducks phase model (incomplete)

A

Duck felt it necessary to add a fifth phase called the resurrection phase where ex-partners begin to use what they have learned from their relationship to prepare for a future one. Additionally the refined version clarifies that movement through the stages is not linear and partners may return to earlier phase. Suggests the phase model is only a partial explanation of the process of relationship breakdown

175
Q

Limitation of ducks phase model ( retrospective)

A

Supporting evidence is based on retrospective data. Interviews about breakdown process tend to take place after rather than during the process meaning the information collected may be inaccurate and unreliable after time has passed. Impossible to study the process in the earlier stages without interfering with the ongoing process. Means model is based on limited information about the start of the breakdown process so is incomplete

176
Q

Strength of ducks phase model

A

It’s application to helping people reverse the process. Particular repair strategies might be more effective st particular stages such as infra-psychic stage where partners are incouraged to brood more positively. Suggests that the model can lead to support tube suggests that may help people through this very difficult time in their lives