in question.
It has been found that individuals like people who are present when they receive a .
reward as this provides positive reinforcement for the individual. It was found that in .
order to develop a successful relationship a balance of both negative and positive .
feelings are essential. ""Byrne and Clores' view are that relationships which are .
characterised by more positive"" ""feelings than negative feelings are likely to develop and.
succeed, while those where negative feelings outweigh the positive are likely to fail".
(Pennington et al 1999 p.225). This explains the reinforcement theory, an example of this would be.
"Griffit and Veitch (1971) gave people statements from strangers in one of two .
conditions: either hot and crowded ( negative condition) or comfortable ( positive .
condition). They found that in the negative conditions, the stranger was liked less. It .
appears that the stranger's statements became associated with negative feelings aroused.
by physically uncomfortable conditions" ( Pennington et al 1999 p.225). .
The social exchange theory could be seen as the behaviourist theory. This theory .
describes the fact that a relationship consists of the interaction between two individuals.
who exchange rewards with one another.
" Thibaut and kelly (1959) proposed that human relationships progress according to a.
series of business - like deals or strategies, with each person in the relationship attempting to .
minimise costs to themselves and maximise benefits. A relationship will cease to develop when the .
costs exceed the rewards for remaining in the relationship. Costs include financial expenditure .
without adequate recompense, or emotional expenditure such as embarrassment, disappointment .
and irritation""(Pennington et al 1999 p.226).
From Thibaut and kelleys' findings it would explain why many individuals are afraid to.
commit into a close relationship, as they are worried about being rejected or hurt.