Social exchange theory posits that individuals act like 'naïve economists' in their relationships, seeking to maximize benefits while minimizing costs. According to this theory, people are most satisfied when the benefits of a relationship outweigh or are equal to the costs. Conversely, dissatisfaction arises and the relationship is less likely to be maintained if the costs are perceived as greater than the benefits.

Social Exchange Theory in Relationships

The development of interpersonal relationships can be understood in two phases: formation and maintenance. Initial formation is often driven by factors like proximity and similarity, which increase the chances of interaction. In contrast, the long-term sustenance of a relationship depends on ongoing processes like reciprocity and self-disclosure.

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While social psychology often examines negative behaviors, it also delves into positive social interactions such as what draws people together. The study of love and attraction explores the key questions of relationship formation, including the situational factors that make relationships more likely, the universal traits people find appealing, the different classifications of love, and theories that explain how relationships are initiated, sustained, and sometimes ended.

Love and Attraction

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

The development of interpersonal relationships is influenced by a variety of conditions, including factors like proximity, mere exposure, and the social environment. These circumstances can increase the likelihood of interaction and the potential for a relationship to begin.

Conditions Influencing Relationship Formation

Interpersonal attraction, a key component in relationship formation, is driven by several factors. These often include similarity in attitudes and values, physical attractiveness, reciprocal liking, and complementary personality traits.

Factors of Interpersonal Attraction

Relationship Formation vs. Maintenance

According to Sternberg's theory, love can be understood through three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Different types of love are characterized by various combinations of these elements. The ideal form, known as consummate love, is achieved when all three components are present in a relationship.

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

Achieving a complete understanding of positive social interactions and relationships involves several key learning objectives:
* Describe altruism
* Describe conditions that influence relationship formation
* Identify factors of interpersonal attraction
* Describe the triangular theory of love
* Explain social exchange theory in relationships

Learning Objectives for Relationship Formation and Altruism

For humans, who are inherently social beings, forming relationships with others is a necessity.

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