Explain how behaviourists explain relationship formation

• Point: operant conditioning

  The behaviourist approach explains relationship formation through operant conditioning, which suggests that behaviour is driven by reinforcement and punishment
• Evidence: operant conditioning

  A new relationship may be positively reinforcing in several ways, such as receiving attention, compliments, or companionship, which makes us more likely to spend time with that person. negative reinforcement also plays a role, as being in a relationship can help us avoid unpleasant emotions like loneliness or social exclusion
• Explain: operant conditioning

  Additionally, punishment can discourage being alone, such as receiving negative comments or being excluded from social events for not having a partner
• Link: operant conditioning

  This increases the likelihood of seeking relationships, as they provide rewards and help us avoid negative experiences
• Point: classical conditioning

  Classical conditioning also explains relationship formation by suggesting that we develop feelings for people based on associations with positive experiences
• Evidence: classical conditioning

  If we meet someone when we are feeling happy, we are more likely to associate them with positive emotions and develop a liking for them. This means a previously neutral person can become attractive to us simply because they were present during a pleasant experience
• Explain: classical conditioning

  For example, pet-owner relationships can be explained using classical conditioning, as pets provide companionship and comfort, leading to positive feelings being associated with them.
• Link: classical conditioning

  This helps strengthen the bond between an owner and their pet, similar to how human relationships form through positive associations