PSYC 215 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Social Exchange Theory, Attachment Theory, Judson Mills
Document Summary
Characterizing relationships investigators use longitudinal methods to examine the dynamics that unfold over time in preexisting relationships. What factors early in a relationship make for happier or more problematic bonds this kind of research faces the challenging methodological problem of self-selection (occurs whenever investigators cannot assign participants to the conditions that are to be compared) Baumeister & leary: point out the likely evolutionary basis of our tendency to seek out social relationships. Relationships help individuals and offspring survive, thus contributing to the increased likelihood of the replication of the individual"s genes. Long-term romantic bonds evolved, to facilitate reproduction and to raise human offspring, who are especially vulnerable and dependent for many years. Parent-offspring attachments help ensure that infants and children are protected and will survive until they can function independently. Friendship evolved as a means for non-kin to cooperate and to avoid the costs and perils of competition and aggression.
