1. Introduction to Relationships How do relationships start? Factors involved in attraction

2. Starter With a partner list as many reasons as possible as to why two people start a romantic relationship Extension – compare these with reasons for starting any relationship (friendship for example)

3. Learning Outcomes Identify reasons what/why relationship start. Describe a piece of research which supports each theory Identify strengths and weaknesses of these theories of formation of relationships

4. Big Picture Work in pairs – card sort Make notes on factors in starting relationships Discuss in pairs

5. Task 1 On a blank A4 piece of paper draw a full body sketch (not naked) of your ideal romantic partner. To the sides of the drawing list the characteristics that you think this person should possess.

6. Reasons why relationship start Contact/proximity Physical appearance Reward/Need Satisfaction Similar attitudes and social background

7. Contact/proximity Bossard (1932) – over 50% of marriage applicants in Philadelphia lived within walking distance of each other. Festinger et al (1950) – Friendship formed by students in halls of residence far more likely if living on the same floor. Ao1

8. Physical Appearance Hatfield et al. (1966) assessed the personalities and aptitude of 752 first year male and female students. They were then randomly paired and at a special occasion each couple danced and chatted for several hours. Afterwards they were interviewed about their dates. Ao1

9. Did personality characteristics influence attraction? Did aptitude influence attraction? Did self esteem / lack of anxiety influence attraction? No. For both men and women the only thing at mattered was the physical attractiveness of their partner. Researchers have found that men put more value than women on physical attractiveness, but women too, respond to a man’s looks.

10. Theories of physical attraction 1. The matching phenomenon (Murstein 1972) Not everyone can end up being paired with a stunning partner. So we tend to pair off with people who are of a similar level of attractiveness. Similarity in physical attractiveness is also conducive to good relationships. Including friendships. In cases where there is an apparent imbalance in a couple’s attractiveness, the less attractive person usually has compensating qualities, e.g., money. http://www.youtu be.com/watch?v =2aTYuFJiGzw

11. Who would you rather go on a date with? John is 35 years old, works as a warehouse supervisor, earns £15,000 a year, drives a Ford Focus and lives in a small one bedroomed flat. His hobbies are listening to music and watching football. Derek is 66 years old and is the fifth earl of Monmouthshire. He is a millionaire and has several large houses around the world. He has his own personal driver and does not need to work. His hobbies are gardening and reading

12. Who would you rather go on a date with? John Derek

13. 2. The physical attractiveness stereotype. Is physical attraction based purely on sexual attraction? No. Babies prefer looking at attractive faces. Adults attribute more positive characteristics to physically attractive children than to non-physically attractive children (e.g., rate them as being more intelligent and successful). People posses a physical attractiveness stereotype - people who are physically attractive are good.

14. 2. The physical attractiveness stereotype. Attractiveness has been shown to affect first impressions in job interviews which is why attractive people have more prestigious jobs and make more money. Do attractive people have more desirable traits? To some extent. Attractive people are more relaxed, outgoing and socially polished. This is probably due to a self fulfilling prophecy - attractive people are valued and favoured and so develop more self-confidence.

15. Theories of physical attraction 2. The physical attractiveness stereotype. Problems with physical attractiveness; Unwelcome sexual advances People may not judge you by Your skills or inner qualities Resentment from their own sex Attractive people may not have the motivation to develop themselves in other ways Looks fade

16. Similar attitudes / social background The law of attraction (Byrne et al 1986) Those with similar attitudes and personality can lead to better communication Similarities in race, class and religion in dating couples and friends (Hill, Rubin and Peplau 1976)

17. Task 2 Read the case studies in pairs and write full written answers to the questions.

18. Plenary Think of 1 famous couple and 1 couple that are not. Why do you think these people got together?