Attraction In Interpersonal Relationships

Interpersonal attraction, as defined by social psychologists, refers to attitudinal positivity (Huston and Levinger, 1978). Although, this attitudinal positivity may not refer a romantic attraction, it still refers to an attraction that is compelling enough to form a relationship with another individual. Interpersonal relationships are formed when an individual feels the ‘need to affiliate’. This ‘need to affiliate’ is critically important to human beings. Individuals who achieve high levels of affiliation often form successful interpersonal relationships. Those who develop strong relationships with other members of society acquire a strong sense of belonging which contributes to a higher level of self esteem. There are many factors that influence

Physical attraction can be linked to evolutionary factors, where gender differences arise due to reproductive costs. Generally males experience low reproductive costs primarily as they primarily focus on the fertility cues of the female, and are strongly entranced by an absence of grey hair, a girlish figure and high energy levels. Whereas, females are exposed to high cost whilst creating offspring, as they focus on the intelligence cues of males and search for the provision of food, shelter and resources. Wilson (1986) claims that sexual attractions can be clarified by the comprehension of ‘survival efficiency’. He argues that it is the role of males to impregnate as many females as feasible; this is due to males’ high sperm count, which would ensure a large level of offspring. However, females are only capable of producing one egg at a time, meaning they can only ensure the survival of relatively fewer offspring. For this reason, females usually seek a high status and wealth in a male, while males search for a salubrious physical appearance as this conveys excellent

As an individual becomes more aware of people who they are physically close to, their faces become more recognizable. The Dormitory Study (Festinger, 1954) examined relationships between neighbours. He deduced that 41% of the participants had a close relationship with their next door neighbour, and had less of a relationship with people who lived further away. Festinger established that the higher extent of proximity an individual experiences determines if an interpersonal attraction will develop between two