Interpersonal Attraction

Definition

Interpersonal attraction refers to the psychological factors that lead individuals to form and maintain personal relationships with others. It involves the positive feelings and evaluations people develop towards specific individuals, which can lead to the desire to interact with and get to know them better.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interpersonal attraction is a key concept in social psychology, as it helps explain how and why people form social connections and relationships.
2. Factors such as physical attractiveness, personality traits, and shared interests can all contribute to interpersonal attraction between individuals.
3. The mere exposure effect, where increased familiarity with someone can lead to increased liking, is an important principle underlying interpersonal attraction.
4. Similarity in attitudes, values, and beliefs can foster a sense of understanding and connection, which can increase interpersonal attraction.
5. Reciprocity, where individuals are attracted to those who show positive feelings and a desire to interact with them, is a crucial aspect of interpersonal attraction.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of proximity can influence interpersonal attraction.
  • The concept of proximity suggests that individuals who are physically or psychologically close to one another are more likely to develop interpersonal attraction. This is because proximity increases the frequency and ease of interaction, allowing individuals to become more familiar with each other and recognize shared characteristics or interests. Additionally, the mere exposure effect, where increased familiarity leads to increased liking, can contribute to the development of interpersonal attraction between individuals who are in close proximity.
• Describe how the principle of similarity can contribute to interpersonal attraction.
  • The principle of similarity states that individuals are more likely to be attracted to others who share similar characteristics, such as attitudes, values, interests, or demographic traits. This is because similarity fosters a sense of understanding and connection, making it easier for individuals to relate to one another and feel a sense of compatibility. When people perceive that they have common ground with someone, it can increase their positive feelings and desire to interact, leading to the development of interpersonal attraction.
• Analyze how the concept of reciprocity can influence the formation and maintenance of interpersonal attraction.
  • The principle of reciprocity suggests that individuals are more likely to be attracted to those who show positive feelings and a desire to interact with them. This mutual exchange of attraction creates a reinforcing cycle, where individuals feel valued and appreciated, leading to a stronger interpersonal connection. Reciprocity is essential for the formation and maintenance of interpersonal relationships, as it fosters a sense of trust, understanding, and emotional investment between individuals. When individuals perceive that their feelings and efforts are being reciprocated, it can significantly contribute to the development and sustenance of interpersonal attraction.

Related terms

Proximity:

The physical or psychological closeness between individuals, which can increase the likelihood of interpersonal attraction.

Similarity:

The degree to which individuals share common characteristics, such as attitudes, values, interests, or demographic traits, which can contribute to interpersonal attraction.

Reciprocity:

The principle that people are more likely to be attracted to those who show positive feelings and a desire to interact with them, leading to a mutual exchange of attraction.