Filter Theory

• Filter Theory

  -Proposed by Kerchoff and Davis

  -Each person imposes a series of filters that reduce a large 'field of available' down to small number of people called field of 'desirables'.

  -Screening happens - eliminates unsuitable partners.
• Social demography

  -shared social demographics like age, school, job, location/proximity or religious beliefs.

  -more demographics you share more likely you are to meet.
• Similarities in attitudes

  -Couples use self disclosure to see if they have shared attitudes, values, interests and are more likely to be compatible so the relationship moves to 3rd filter.
• Complementary of emotional needs:

  -Both have qualities each other seeks.

  -Both partners seek emotional qualities that the other lacks but values.

  -E.g. if one person is more nurturing than the other and the other likes to be nurtured.

  -Once passed through all filters it can lead to a long term partner who us attractive to you.