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Understanding the attraction process
Author(s) -
Montoya R. Matthew,
Horton Robert S.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
social and personality psychology compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.699
H-Index - 53
ISSN - 1751-9004
DOI - 10.1111/spc3.12526
Subject(s) - attraction , interpersonal attraction , extant taxon , psychology , dilemma , cognition , social psychology , process (computing) , interpersonal communication , affect (linguistics) , expression (computer science) , cognitive psychology , communication , epistemology , computer science , neuroscience , philosophy , linguistics , operating system , evolutionary biology , programming language , biology
A comprehensive model of interpersonal attraction is presented in which attraction is an emotion expressed to regulate interpersonal relationships. The model proposes that cognitive appraisals, the subjective experience, and the expression of affiliative behavior are fundamental to understanding how attraction operates. Specifically, we discuss how (a) cognitive appraisals (willingness and ability) are fundamental to the subjective experience of attraction, (b) social dilemma considerations affect when and why the subjective experience aligns with the expression of affiliative behavior, (c) the interplay of the components of attraction explain the panoply of extant attraction phenomena, and (d) the attraction process operates in both initial interactions and enduring relationships. We conclude with a discussion of methodological and theoretical directions to fuel future growth.