6.2 Attraction, love, and commitment

Attraction, love, and commitment are key elements in intimate relationships. These complex emotions and behaviors shape how we connect with others, from initial sparks of interest to long-lasting partnerships. Understanding these concepts helps us navigate the intricacies of human connections.

This topic explores the psychological and physiological aspects of attraction, various theories of love, and factors influencing commitment. It delves into how these elements evolve across different life stages, highlighting the dynamic nature of relationships and the diverse ways people experience intimacy.

Components of Attraction

Psychological Factors

Top images from around the web for Psychological Factors

• 

  4 – Attraction and Relationships – Social Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Love and Attraction Theory | Wellness HE 130 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Prosocial Behavior | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  4 – Attraction and Relationships – Social Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Love and Attraction Theory | Wellness HE 130 View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Psychological Factors

• 

  4 – Attraction and Relationships – Social Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Love and Attraction Theory | Wellness HE 130 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Prosocial Behavior | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  4 – Attraction and Relationships – Social Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Love and Attraction Theory | Wellness HE 130 View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Attraction involves a complex interplay of psychological, emotional, and physical factors that draw individuals to one another
• Psychological components include perceived similarity, familiarity, and complementarity
  • People are often attracted to others who share similar attitudes, values, and interests
  • Individuals may also be drawn to those who complement their own traits and abilities (extroverted person attracted to an introverted partner)

Emotional and Physiological Responses

• Emotional components of attraction involve positive affective responses
  • Feelings of excitement, happiness, and desire are common
  • Increased levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine accompany these emotions
• Physical components include visual, olfactory, and tactile cues
  • Physical appearance plays a significant role in initial attraction (facial symmetry, body shape, features signaling health and fertility)
  • Pheromones and touch also contribute to physical attraction

Interpersonal Dynamics

• Interpersonal attraction can be influenced by various factors
  • Proximity: people tend to be more attracted to others who are geographically close
  • Mere exposure: familiarity breeds liking, repeated exposure increases attraction
  • Reciprocity: individuals are more likely to be attracted to those who reciprocate their interest
• Social and cultural norms also shape interpersonal attraction (expectations around dating, marriage, and relationships)

Theories of Love

Sternberg's Triangular Theory

• Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love proposes that love consists of three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment
  • Intimacy: feelings of closeness, connectedness, and emotional bonding
  • Passion: drives that lead to romance, physical attraction, and sexual consummation
  • Commitment: decision to maintain and nurture the relationship over time
• Different combinations of these components result in different types of love
  • Infatuation: passion only (intense physical attraction without intimacy or commitment)
  • Empty love: commitment only (decision to stay together without passion or intimacy)
  • Consummate love: all three components present (ideal form of love)

Other Theories and Models

• Lee's Color Wheel Theory identifies six love styles
  • Eros: passionate, romantic love
  • Ludus: playful, uncommitted love
  • Storge: love based on friendship and companionship
  • Pragma: practical, rational love based on compatibility
  • Mania: obsessive, possessive love
  • Agape: selfless, unconditional love
• Attachment theory (Bowlby and Ainsworth) suggests early childhood experiences shape adult romantic relationships
  • Secure attachment: comfortable with intimacy and independence
  • Anxious-ambivalent attachment: desire for closeness but fear of rejection
  • Avoidant attachment: discomfort with intimacy and emotional distance

Factors in Commitment

Relationship Dynamics

• Investment size: resources (time, effort, money, emotional energy) put into the relationship
  • Higher levels of investment are associated with greater commitment
• Relationship satisfaction: key predictor of commitment
  • When individuals feel satisfied, they are more likely to remain committed and work through challenges
• Quality of alternatives: perceived desirability of other potential partners or being single
  • When alternatives seem less attractive, individuals are more likely to stay committed

Personal and Social Influences

• Personal values and beliefs about relationships impact commitment
  • Importance placed on loyalty, sanctity of marriage, etc.
• Social and cultural norms shape expectations and pressures around commitment
  • Expectations of monogamy, stigma surrounding divorce
• External factors can increase barriers to leaving a relationship
  • Shared social networks, financial interdependence, presence of children

Attraction, Love, and Commitment Across Life Stages

Individual Differences

• Personality traits, attachment styles, and personal values influence experiences of attraction, love, and commitment
  • Secure attachment associated with more stable, satisfying relationships
  • Traits like extraversion, agreeableness, emotional stability linked to relationship success
• Gender differences have been observed but are influenced by cultural norms
  • Men may prioritize physical attractiveness, women may emphasize status and resources
• Sexual orientation and identity impact relationship dynamics and challenges faced

Life Stages and Transitions

• Adolescence and early adulthood: focus on identity exploration and establishing intimate relationships
• Early adulthood: prioritize finding long-term partner, building committed relationship
• Later adulthood: challenges like empty nest syndrome, retirement, health issues impact long-term relationship dynamics
• Major life transitions significantly alter experiences and expectations
  • Marriage, parenthood, divorce
  • Widowhood in later life