Theories of Relationship Formation

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Byrne et als model of relationship formation suggests that we find relationships rewarding in some form or that in the absence of relationships we find life unpleasant and unrewarding. This theory is based on the principles of Classical and Operant conditioning. Through operant conditioning people may reward us directly by meeting our psychological needs. Individuals that are helpful, cheerful, attentive and supportive may also provide this direct reinforcement and therefore are liked more. Alternatively we may be rewarded indirectly through classical conditioning as relationships with some individuals may provide pleasant circumstances or pleasant events occur around them. This could be compliments provided by them or other positives the individual brings with them resulting in pleasant feelings becoming associated with the person providing the compliments. Positive moods experienced when meeting individuals may become associated with them too (classical conditioning) according to this theory thus increasing the likelihood of attraction. Therefore this theory proposes that we are attracted to individuals who meet our needs and expectations. Individuals that do meet our needs invariably induce positive feelings increasing attraction to them also. Byrne et al believed the balance of positive and negative feelings were crucial and relationships in which the positive feelings outweighed the negatives were most likely to succeed. Griffitt & Guay provided support for the idea that we like some individuals because they provide direct reinforcement. Participants were evaluated on a creative task by an experimenter and were then asked how much they like the experimenter. The rating was highest when the participant was highly evaluated by the experimenter, showing that direct reinforcement can lead to attraction. The same study also supported the role of indirect
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