PSY100Y5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 15: Robert Sternberg, Interpersonal Attraction, Physical Attractiveness

• School: UTM
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY100Y5
• Professor: Dax Urbszat

Document Summary

Interpersonal attraction refers to positive feelings toward another. A study found that the quality of communication during a date has some effect on the females" interest in friendship, but the key determinant is romantic attraction for both sexes is the physical attractiveness of the other person. The matching hypothesis proposed that males and females of approximately equal physical attractiveness are likely to select each other as partners. Romantic relationships are characterized by two kinds of love: passionate and companionate. Passionate love is a complete absorption in another that includes tender sexual feelings and the agony and ecstasy of intense emotion. Companionate love is warm, trusting, tolerant affection for another whose life is deeply intertwined with one"s own. Companionate love is more strongly related to relationship satisfaction. Robert sternberg subdivides companionate love into intimacy and commitment. Attachment anxiety reflects how much people worry that their partners will not be available when needed.