Proximity and reciprocity Proximity, which is sometimes also called propinquity, is a major determinant to interpersonal attraction because the closer one is geographically to another person the more likely the individuals are to be in a relationship (by the mere fact of exposure to each other).
There are many factors that lead to interpersonal attraction. Studies suggest that all factors involve social reinforcement. The most frequently studied include physical attractiveness, propinquity (frequency of interaction), familiarity, similarity, complementarity, reciprocal liking, and reinforcement.
Both personal characteristics and environment play a role in interpersonal attraction. A major determinant of attraction is propinquity, or physical proximity.
The four theories of interpersonal attraction are: the Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, Evolutionary Theory, and the Attachment Theory.
Interpersonal attraction. Defined as: A positive attitude held by one person toward another person.
Interpersonal attraction refers to positive feelings about another person. It can take many forms, including liking, love, friendship, lust, and admiration.
Interpersonal attraction is traditionally defined in social psychology as a positive attitude or evaluation regarding a particular person, including the three components conventionally ascribed to attitudes: behavioral (tendency to approach the person), cognitive (positive beliefs about the person), and affective ( ...
-one of the strongest determinants of attraction is perceived similarity, especially similarity in attitudes. -flattery is not always effective if an ulterior motive is obvious.
In this study three properties of interpersonal attraction were measured using single scales. They included: physical attractiveness, personal attractiveness, and how considerate subjects were.
Similarity/attraction theory posits that people like and are attracted to others who are similar, rather than dissimilar, to themselves; “birds of a feather,” the adage goes, “flock together.” Social scientific research has provided considerable support for tenets of the theory since the mid-1900s.
In summary, equity theory suggests that people are more satisfied with a relationship in which there is equal give and take by both parties. This theory proposes that a person's motivation to stay in any relationship is based on the equality (or inequality) of the contributions made to the relationship by each person.
Relationships may be regulated by law, custom, or mutual agreement, and form the basis of social groups and of society as a whole. Interpersonal relationships are created by people's interactions with one another in social situations.
Interpersonal attraction is the attraction between people which leads to aplatonic or romantic relationships. Interpersonal attraction as a process isdistinct from perceptions of physical attractiveness, which involves views ofwhat is and is not considered beautiful or attractive.
Byrne, Clore and Worchel (1966) suggested people with similar economicstatus are likely to be attracted to each other.[36] Buss & Barnes (1986) alsofound that people prefer their romantic partners to be similar in certaindemographic characteristics, including religious background, political
The matching hypothesis proposed by sociologist Erving Goffman suggeststhat people are more likely to form long standing relationships with thosewho are equally matched in social attributes, like physical attractive ness.[17][page needed] The study by researchers Walster and Walster supported thematching hypothesis by showing that partners who were similar in terms ofphysical attractiveness expressed the most liking for each other.[18] Anotherstudy also found evidence that supported the matching hypothesis: photos ofdating and engaged couples were rated in terms of attractiveness, and adefinite tendency was found for couples of similar attractiveness to date orengage.[19] Several studies support this evidence of similar facialattractiveness. Penton-Voak, Perrett and Peirce (1999) found that subjectsrated the pictures with their own face morphed into it as more attractive.[20]DeBruine (2002) demonstrated in her research how subjects entrusted moremoney to their opponents in a game play, when the opponents werepresented as similar to them.[21] Little, Burt & Perrett (2006) examinedsimilarity in sight for married couples and found that the couples wereassessed at the same age and level of attractiveness.[22]
The propinquity effect relies on the observed fact: "The more we see andinteract with a person, the more likely he or she is to become our friend orsexual partner." This effect is very similar to the mere exposure effect in thatthe more a person is exposed to a stimulus, the more the person likes it;however, there are exceptions.[5][page needed] Familiarity can also occur withoutphysical exposure. Recent studies show that relationships formed over theInternet resemble those developed face-to-face, in terms of quality and depth.[6]