Power of Love and Relationships

Power of Love and Relationships

DawnMarie Ackerson

                                                     Dr.Anderson

                                                        Psy 301

                                                      07/13/2015

As humans we all feel the need for relationships, the factors that we base our relationships on is not always what one might think. The old saying “Opposites Attract” may not be as true as was once believed. Why is it we seek out the relationships we do? Bonding, types of love and attraction; how they can affect the way we choose our relationships; and the types of relationships we participate will be addressed in the following.

 Research does show that psychologist identified the factors of attraction as similarities, physical attractiveness, exposure, proximity, equitable and reciprocity.

Similarities is being attracted to an individual who shares the same features, attitude, and values as themselves. The matching hypothesis when individuals desire a relationship with someone who is close to them in physical attractiveness. People will tend to gravitate toward people that they find physically attractive. Attractiveness is a crucial factor for initial phases of a relationship. Many times relationships will be based on one’s physical attractiveness. 
The Mere Exposure Effect, the more one is exposed to something the more one will become familiar with it, therefore, come to like it. Relationships occur when individuals become familiar one another. Social psychology refers to this effect as the familiarity principle. Studies of interpersonal attraction show us the more often one is seen by someone, the more pleasing and likeable that person appears to be. Another factor of attraction is equitable and reciprocity. The equity theory is not the amount of satisfaction one receives from a relationship that is important, it is whether or if the relationship is equal.

 One is less likely to form meaning full relationships outside of one’s culture due to not only geographic issues but cultural, religious and or moral belief that may conflict with one’s personal beliefs.

 We as human beings build bonds to feel a connection. To feel a sense of belonging. The need to belong has two components: frequent contact and enduring connections. Evidence of this need is seen in our ease of forming and reluctance in ending relationships. The need is also 

evident in our happiness when we have social bonds and the negative emotions (anger, sadness) associated with lack of connection. Deprivation is associated with mental and physical