Factors affecting attraction
Factors affecting attraction: Filter theory
Overview of filter theory
An explanation of relationship formation. It states that a series of different factors
progressively limits the range of available romantic partners to a much smaller pool of
possibilities (field of desirables). The filters include social demography, similarity in attitudes
and com-plementarity.
Filter theory:
Developed by Kerchoff and Davis (1962) based on research of student couples who were in
short-term (less than 18 months) and long term relationships. In terms of partner choice we
have a set of potential romantic partners we could have a relationship with (field of
availa-ble). Not everyone available is desirable to us, we narrow down our partners choice
based on the following factors.
Social demography 1st level filter
This includes location, social class, level of education, ethnic group, religion which all affect
our chances of meeting in the first place. You are much more likely to meet people who live
physically closer and share the same demographic characteristics and meetings with these
individuals are meaningful and memorable. Proximity = accessibility and requires little effort
Anybody who is too different to us in terms of social demographics is discounted as a
potential partner resulting in us forming relationships with someone who is socially and
culturally similar to us.
Similarity in attitudes 2nd level filter
Partners will often share the same attitudes and beliefs partly due to the first level of filter
which narrows the availables based on social demographic characteristics. This factor is
thought to be most important in couples who have been together less than 18 months
implying it is an important factor in the development of relationships. Couples need to agree
on values and beliefs at the beginning as this allows for self-disclosure and deeper
communication. If there is little in common attitude wise the relationships will fizzle out after a
few dates.
Complementarity 3rd level filter
This filter is concerned with the couples ability to meet each other's needs. Two partners will
compliment each other when they have traits the other lacks. E.g. one partner enjoys making
the other laugh while the other partner enjoys being made to laugh. Or one partner is more
dominant and the other partner likes being nurtured. The need for compliments is more
important in long-term relationships as it gives the two romantic partners the feeling that
together they form a whole adding depth to the relationship.
Evaluating factors affecting attraction: filter theory
● Point one:
There is some support for filter theory
, Evidence: One study found evidence that similarities of personality, interest and attitudes
between partners were typical of the earlier stages of a relationship.
Another study found that similarity causes attraction and if they have very little in common
they may go out together but only for a few times.
● Point two:
However, many studies have failed to replicate the findings in more recent years.
Evidence: For example, online dating has changed the process of beginning a romantic
relationship.
It has reduced the importance of social demographic variables meaning we may pursue
dates with someone outside the usual demographic limits.
● Point three:
In addition to this there is a question over cause and effect.
Evidence: studies have shown that attitude alignment occurs in longer term relationships.
Romantic partners over time bring their attitudes inline with one another.
Factors affecting attraction: physical attractiveness matching
hypothesis
Physical attractiveness: Physical attractiveness has been found to be important in
relationship formation. It usually applies to how appealing we find another person's face.
There seems to be a level of agreement across cultures as to what is considered physically
attractive. It is thought to be an important factor initially but also after marriage.
Matching hypothesis:
According to Walster et al (1966) people tend to pair up with those who are similar in terms
of their physical attractiveness. According to this theory whilst we might desire the most
physically attractive partner in reality we know we are unlikely to get or keep them. In order
to avoid rejection we will settle for somebody who is of a similar perceived attractiveness
rating.
This theory also suggests individuals will feel more secure in a relationship with someone of
equal physical attractiveness, due to fears that a more attractive partner might be tempted to
end the relationship if a more physically attractive partner became available.
The original hypothesis also suggests the more socially desirable a person is (physical
attractiveness, social standing or intelligence) the more desirable they expect their dating or
marriage partner to be.
According to this theory, couples who are matched in terms of their social desirability are
more likely to have happy and long lasting relationships compared to those who are not
matched.
Factors affecting attraction: Filter theory
Overview of filter theory
An explanation of relationship formation. It states that a series of different factors
progressively limits the range of available romantic partners to a much smaller pool of
possibilities (field of desirables). The filters include social demography, similarity in attitudes
and com-plementarity.
Filter theory:
Developed by Kerchoff and Davis (1962) based on research of student couples who were in
short-term (less than 18 months) and long term relationships. In terms of partner choice we
have a set of potential romantic partners we could have a relationship with (field of
availa-ble). Not everyone available is desirable to us, we narrow down our partners choice
based on the following factors.
Social demography 1st level filter
This includes location, social class, level of education, ethnic group, religion which all affect
our chances of meeting in the first place. You are much more likely to meet people who live
physically closer and share the same demographic characteristics and meetings with these
individuals are meaningful and memorable. Proximity = accessibility and requires little effort
Anybody who is too different to us in terms of social demographics is discounted as a
potential partner resulting in us forming relationships with someone who is socially and
culturally similar to us.
Similarity in attitudes 2nd level filter
Partners will often share the same attitudes and beliefs partly due to the first level of filter
which narrows the availables based on social demographic characteristics. This factor is
thought to be most important in couples who have been together less than 18 months
implying it is an important factor in the development of relationships. Couples need to agree
on values and beliefs at the beginning as this allows for self-disclosure and deeper
communication. If there is little in common attitude wise the relationships will fizzle out after a
few dates.
Complementarity 3rd level filter
This filter is concerned with the couples ability to meet each other's needs. Two partners will
compliment each other when they have traits the other lacks. E.g. one partner enjoys making
the other laugh while the other partner enjoys being made to laugh. Or one partner is more
dominant and the other partner likes being nurtured. The need for compliments is more
important in long-term relationships as it gives the two romantic partners the feeling that
together they form a whole adding depth to the relationship.
Evaluating factors affecting attraction: filter theory
● Point one:
There is some support for filter theory
, Evidence: One study found evidence that similarities of personality, interest and attitudes
between partners were typical of the earlier stages of a relationship.
Another study found that similarity causes attraction and if they have very little in common
they may go out together but only for a few times.
● Point two:
However, many studies have failed to replicate the findings in more recent years.
Evidence: For example, online dating has changed the process of beginning a romantic
relationship.
It has reduced the importance of social demographic variables meaning we may pursue
dates with someone outside the usual demographic limits.
● Point three:
In addition to this there is a question over cause and effect.
Evidence: studies have shown that attitude alignment occurs in longer term relationships.
Romantic partners over time bring their attitudes inline with one another.
Factors affecting attraction: physical attractiveness matching
hypothesis
Physical attractiveness: Physical attractiveness has been found to be important in
relationship formation. It usually applies to how appealing we find another person's face.
There seems to be a level of agreement across cultures as to what is considered physically
attractive. It is thought to be an important factor initially but also after marriage.
Matching hypothesis:
According to Walster et al (1966) people tend to pair up with those who are similar in terms
of their physical attractiveness. According to this theory whilst we might desire the most
physically attractive partner in reality we know we are unlikely to get or keep them. In order
to avoid rejection we will settle for somebody who is of a similar perceived attractiveness
rating.
This theory also suggests individuals will feel more secure in a relationship with someone of
equal physical attractiveness, due to fears that a more attractive partner might be tempted to
end the relationship if a more physically attractive partner became available.
The original hypothesis also suggests the more socially desirable a person is (physical
attractiveness, social standing or intelligence) the more desirable they expect their dating or
marriage partner to be.
According to this theory, couples who are matched in terms of their social desirability are
more likely to have happy and long lasting relationships compared to those who are not
matched.
