Theories of the Formation of Romantic Relationships Essay Example for Free

Theories of the Formation of Romantic Relationships EssayThe sociobiological comment is an evolutionary opening perceiving relationship formation as a form of survival efficiency, with a difference between sexual activitys. Davis (1990) performed a content analysis of personal advertisements, finding that men look for health and attractiveness, while offering wealth and resources. Females look for resources and status, while offering beauty and youth, supporting the idea of evolutionary-based gender differences in relationship formation. However, although relevant to the EEA (Environment of Evolutionary Adaptiveness), the model doesnt suit modern environment. Many women right away have resources of their own and do not need to rely on the resources of men. This casts doubts on the suitability of this news report in modern days as its applicability, has over the years gradually decreased. The sociobiological explanation is reductionist, perceive relationship as a means of reproduction, therefore disregarding other reasons for being in amative relationships, like companionship. It can be argued that theories of relationship formation atomic number 18 deterministic, as relationships are seen as having a lack of free will that is, determined by factors beyond personal control.For example, the rewards and postulate cheer possibleness sees relationship formation an unconscious process based on learned associations. The reinforcement and needs satisfaction explanation is a behaviourist explanation, perceiving conditioning as an explanation for relationship formation. People may immediately reward us (operant conditioning) by meeting our psychological needs for friendship, love and sex. Their provision of such needs is reinforcing, and therefore we like them more and want to be around them.As a result we are more likely to form a relationship. Also, people may be indirectly rewarded (classical conditioning), where they become associated with the har ming circumstances and so again the likeliness for forming a relationship increases. Argyle (1994) outlined several motivational systems underpinning social behaviour, and explained how forming relationships satisfies social needs on several levels. * Biological needs, like collective eating.* Dependency, being solace* Affiliation, a sense of belonging* Dominance, making decisions for others* Sex, flirting* Aggression, letting off steam* Self-esteem, being esteem by othersMany non-western cultures feature relationships without regard for receiving rewards or prioritising selfish needs. Therefore the rewards needs satisfaction theory cannot account for cultural differences and thus can be seen as culturally biased. The rewards needs satisfaction theory of relationship formation cannot account for gender differences. Women often focus more on the needs of others, and males and females slope to find different things rewarding, suggesting that the explanation is gender biased.