Second Theoretical Perspective: Reinforcement-Affect Model of Attraction
Don Byrne’s reinforcement-affect model of attraction can be applied to the relationship of Landon and Jamie, with its relation to interpersonal relationships. The aspects of how Landon and Jamie were attracted to one another, and how their differences affect their relationship can be discussed with this model. The reinforcement-affect model of attraction argues that people are attracted to one another through positive reinforcement. People will continue to do things that provide them pleasure and happiness. Likewise, people are attracted to people who provide them with pleasurable responses or rewards.
Reinforcement-Affect: Basic Assertion One
“A variety of social communications and other interpersonal events can be classed as either reinforcing or punishing (Byrne & Clore, 1970, p. 145)”. This is one of 4 basic assertions made in the reinforcement-affect model of attraction. Within Landon and Jamie’s relationship the social communications and interpersonal events between them resulted in both reinforcement and punishment. The arguments between Landon and Jamie qualify as punishing factors, as these gave each character negative feelings and thoughts. However, the quality time Landon and Jamie spent together resulted in reinforcement of positive feelings and …show more content…
The first notable difference is the focus of how attraction occurs within interpersonal relationships. Hatfield and Berscheid focus on how we are attracted to people through reciprocity and likeness. Whereas, Byrne and Clore state that attraction occurs through reinforcement. In essence, it can be asserted that the different understanding of how attraction occurs may be due to different interpretations of values within the
Don Byrne’s reinforcement-affect model of attraction can be applied to the relationship of Landon and Jamie, with its relation to interpersonal relationships. The aspects of how Landon and Jamie were attracted to one another, and how their differences affect their relationship can be discussed with this model. The reinforcement-affect model of attraction argues that people are attracted to one another through positive reinforcement. People will continue to do things that provide them pleasure and happiness. Likewise, people are attracted to people who provide them with pleasurable responses or rewards.
Reinforcement-Affect: Basic Assertion One
“A variety of social communications and other interpersonal events can be classed as either reinforcing or punishing (Byrne & Clore, 1970, p. 145)”. This is one of 4 basic assertions made in the reinforcement-affect model of attraction. Within Landon and Jamie’s relationship the social communications and interpersonal events between them resulted in both reinforcement and punishment. The arguments between Landon and Jamie qualify as punishing factors, as these gave each character negative feelings and thoughts. However, the quality time Landon and Jamie spent together resulted in reinforcement of positive feelings and …show more content…
The first notable difference is the focus of how attraction occurs within interpersonal relationships. Hatfield and Berscheid focus on how we are attracted to people through reciprocity and likeness. Whereas, Byrne and Clore state that attraction occurs through reinforcement. In essence, it can be asserted that the different understanding of how attraction occurs may be due to different interpretations of values within the