Theories of Attraction

1. Theories of Attraction

2. Attraction • In social psychology, an attitude of liking or disliking. • Attraction can lead to feelings of liking and loving • Four major theories

3. Cognitive Consistency • To maintain consistency in our lives we seek out and like others who are consistent with our beliefs • I’m Catholic—you’re Catholic • I like the Bears—you like the Bears • We both share the same ideas about children, marriage, politics, etc. • Computer dating is based on this principle.

4. Gain-Loss Theory • Self-esteem is the main component • Those who like me—increase my self-esteem • Those who dislike me—decrease my self-esteem • Therefore, I like people in return due to the fact that they up my self-esteem

5. Gain-Loss Theory • The basis of all social/personal relations is the need to feel good about ourselves • Can work the opposite

6. Reinforcement Theory • Attraction is a “feeling” response, no thought or thinking • Automatic, unconscious • Associate “good feeling” or “bad feeling” with a person • It doesn’t have to be the person—the good or bad feeling can be associated with them in “time and space” • Hawaii example • Ally Mc Beal example • High School-College

7. Information Integration • In social situations we seek knowledge/information about others • Liking occurs after knowing the qualities of one another • We weigh the qualities, place value on them according to our own value system and then like or dislike the person • Knowledge comes first, then love • Example: “When Harry Met Sally”

8. Summary • Gain-Loss and Reinforcement Theory • Feelings first, then knowledge • Cognitive Consistency and Information Integration • Knowledge first, then feelings