Psychological theories of relationships. Sexual selection, parental investment, attraction, formation, maintenance and breakdown, , equity theory, filter theory, social exchange theory, the matching hypothesis

The evolutionary explanations for partner preferences, including the relationship between sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour.

FACTORS AFFECTING ATTRACTION IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS: Self-Disclosure: The importance of sharing personal information and feelings in building intimacy and attraction

FACTORS AFFECTING ATTRACTION IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Attraction in romantic relationships is influenced by several psychological and evolutionary factors. The halo effect suggests that physically attractive individuals are perceived as having other positive traits, making them more desirable partners. Sexual selection, based on evolutionary theory, explains how traits that enhance reproductive success influence mate choice, with men prioritising youth and fertility while women favour status and resources. The matching hypothesis proposes that people tend to pair with others of similar physical attractiveness, balancing desirability with the likelihood of reciprocity. These factors collectively shape romantic attraction and partner selection

Factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships: filter theory, social demography, similarity in attitudes and complementarity.

Theories of romantic relationships: social exchange theory, equity theory and Rusbult’s investment model of commitment, satisfaction, comparison with alternatives and investment.

Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown: intra-psychic, dyadic, social and grave dressing phases.

Virtual relationships in social media: self-disclosure in virtual relationships; effects of absence of gating on the nature of virtual relationships.

Parasocial relationships: levels of parasocial relationships, the absorption addiction model and the attachment theory explanation