Question

Explain what factors initially attract one individual to another

Answer 1

Attraction to another individual is based on many factors .There are many theories proposed to explain the attraction of one individual to another .

Evolutionary theory draws its roots from the works of evolutionary theorists like Charles Darwin that attributes interpersonal attraction mainly to physical attractiveness of a person.Males are attracted to a female if they perceive her to be fertile and capable of producing healthy offsprings .On the other hand females are attractive to a male who have the resources to provide them the sense of security .And these aspects are judged from the physical makeup of the individual .

Reinforcement affect model given by Donn Byrne and Gerald Clore proposes that an individual is attracted to someone who provides them with a positive reinforcement and also if they assosciate them with positive experiences.

The other factor that determines attraction is proximity of physical closeness to a person .Proximity to a person leads to the probability of repeated exposures that induces a feeling of familiarity .And familiarity then breeds likeness.

Similarity to a person in terms of personal characteristics, social and cultural background, , values , hobbies etc also leads to attraction  as it leads to affirmation of self that he is not alone in his attitude or ways and also provides one the power to predict the future behaviour of the other person.