Describe Two or More Theories of the Formation of Relationships

One explanation of the formation of relationships is through the filter theory. This states that when we are looking for a relationship, we devise a field of availables, who are the people who we can possibly have a relationship with. The three main filters to find the ideal partner are through demographics, i.e living in the same town, or being the same age, similarity in attitudes, i.e having the same religious beliefs, or outlook on life, and meeting emotional needs, i.e love and protection. The field of availables is then filtered down to a field of desirables, those who meet the requirements of the three filters of social, emotional, and attitudes, with which we can choose someone suitable to then form a relationship with. This theory is related to the cognitive theory, as we methodically process the pros and cons of whether someone is suitable to us depending upon the three filters. We are able to deeply think about whether we are compatible with the person. Another theory is the reinforcement affect, which is also based on our cognition, and how we need people to meet our emotional needs. The term reinforcement affect literally means strengthening our emotions, which can be done positively or negatively in a relationship. Reinforcing these emotions is performed directly through our behaviour, otherwise known as operant conditioning. This form of behaviour suggests that we make relationships through rewards and reinforcement. For example, if we had a relationship where the partner brought flowers every week to make the girl happy, the girl would feel more attracted to the boy as the flowers would make her happy, which would be the reward. This reward will encourage the boy to maintain the relationship and reinforce positivity within the girl by continuing to buy flowers. However, if the boy didn't always meet the girls emotional needs and maybe remained distant, the distance was be reinforced by the girl which would lead to a break