Interpersonal attraction is defined as a positive evaluation of another person, influenced by physical attractiveness, proximity, familiarity, and similarity. The document outlines several theories of interpersonal attraction, including the triangular theory of love, reinforcement theory, social exchange theory, complementary theory, and attachment theory, each proposing different factors that contribute to attraction and relationships. These theories address various dynamics such as emotional ties, costs and benefits in relationships, and the impact of attachment security on relationship development.

2. What is interpersonal
attraction?
Interpersonal attraction is traditionally defined 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)
⚫ affective (positive feelings for the person).

3. Factors that influence interpersonal attraction. Attraction is mediated by:-
⦁ Physical attractiveness: People are rated more favourably if with an
attractive partner, and photos of attractive people are rated as being
more popular.
⦁ Proximity: Research suggests that one of the best predictors is how
close people live to each other. Being in close proximity to someone is
likely to promote friendship.
⦁ Familiarity: It also promotes familiarity and familiarity also increases
liking for something or someone.
⦁ Similarity: Couples tend to have similar interests or outlooks, similar
psychological characteristics.For e.g. intelligence and physical attributes

4. Theories of Interpersonal Attraction
⚫ 1.Triangular theory of Love
⚫ It was given by Sternberg ,according to him Love consists of 3
components:-
⚫ Intimacy-Feelings of closeness that one has for another person i.e.
emotional ties. Like in friends they disclose everything.
⚫ Passion-Emotional and sexual arousal a person feels towards others. Like
holding hands, loving looks and friendly hugs.
⚫ Commitment-Decision one makes about relationship.(Short-term
relationship=”I think I’m in love” and Long-term relationship=“I want to be
with this person for the rest of my life.)

6. 2.Reinforcement Theory
• In 1951,Homans proposed that certain characteristics are valued
among different groups that may vary between groups and individuals.
• Theory proposes that during interpersonal attractions ,a system of
costs and benefits is in operation. Benefits maybe intrinsically
rewarding such as love or social approval or they may be extrinsic.
• According to him, individuals expect the benefits of a relationship to
be proportional to their costs.
• The more the individual invests in a relationship ,the greater his/her
profits will be.
• Costs can be tangible such as time and money or social. For Eg:-
Social disapproval or rejection.

8. 3.Social exchange Theory
⚫ It states that when people measure the fairness of their work
outcomes relative to others any perceived in equity is a
motivating state of mind.
⚫ It proposes that a person’s motivation to stay in any relation
is based on the equality or inequality of the contributions
made by each persons.
⚫ Example:-Employees inputs includes experience education,
skills and time.
⚫ Outcomes includes pay ,benefits ,recognition and rewards.

9. Short video on social exchange theory

10. 3.Complementary Theory
⚫ It states that opposite sex i.e. women are attracted to men
who have the resource to protect them ,this kind of attraction
fosters reproduction success.(Opposite attracts).
⚫ This theory does not account for same sex.
⚫ Unlike others ,this theory does not expect reward in a
relationship.
⚫ The process of natural selection where humans adapt to the
environment and developed features for reproductive success.

11. 4.Attachment Theory
⚫ It was given by Hazan & Zeifman,1994.
⚫ It states that in time of stress, humans are motivated to seek
figures of attachment in order to overcome stress.
⚫ As a child if caregivers i.e. parents are available and responsive
,a sense of attachment security is developed and later a
healthy relationship is built.
⚫ Unlike others this theory does not acknowledge natural
selection and sharing responsibilities.

12. Short video on Attachment theory

13. Submitted by:-Ayushi Karna
-Shashwat Sharma
-Komal Soni
Course :-B.A.(hons.) in Applied Psychology
Semester:-1st
Subject:-Social Psychology
Submitted to:-Dr. Payal k Chandel