Filter theory

• Filter theory

  > Kerckhoff and Davis suggested that when selecting from a range of people who are potentially available to them ('a field of availables'), however not all partners are desirable to us, therefore people will use three filters to narrow down the choice to people they believe will produce the best sustainable relationship.
• 2 - Filter theory - Similarity in attitudes

  > Similar attitudes were found to be the most important in the development of romantic relationships but only for those who had been together for less then 18 months

  > A similarity of basic values allows for greater and deeper communications and self disclosure

  > If similarity doesnt exist, the relationship will often fizzle out
• 3 - Filter theory - Complementarity

  > For long term relationships, research suggests partners need to be able to ‘meet each other’s needs’

  > Two partners complement each other when they have traits the other lacks. For example, one partner may like to nurture, whilst the other person in the relationship may like to be nurtured

  > At a later stage of the relationship, opposites attract

  > Complementarity is important as it gives two romantic partners the feeling that together they form a whole and this adds depth to their relationship.
• Filter theory AO3

  :) RTS Kerchkoff and Davis

  > Longitudinal study study in which both partners in dating couples completed questionnaires to assess two factors; similarity in attitudes and complementarity of needs

  > Relationship closeness was measured seven months later. > It was found that closeness in a relationship was associated with similarity of values but only for couples who had been together for less than 18 months.

  > For couples in longer relationships complementarity of needs predicted closeness

  > Provides evidence that similarity is important in early stages of a relationship
• Filter theory 1 - social demography

  > Social Demographics’ refers to factors such as ethnic group, level of education, religion, geographical location (proximity), social class.

  > Our realistic field of ‘availables’ is constrained by our social circumstances.

  > Anyone who is ‘too different’ will be discounted as a potential partner, for example, they live too far away.

  > The outcome of this filter is homogamy meaning you are more likely to form a relationship with someone who is socially or culturally similar
• Filter theory AO3

  :( Lacks temporal validity

  > Since then there has been a rise of online dating which has changed the process of the beginning a romantic relationship. Some would argue it has reduced the importance of some social demographic variables, such as geographical location

  > Applications such as Tinder have made meeting potential partners easier than ever

  > Therefore, filter theory may not be as appropriate in modern society as a factor affecting attraction in romantic relationships
• Filter theory AO3

  :( May not apply to all types of relationships

  > Filter theory suggests that satisfaction in long-term relationship is linked to complementarity of needs, for example, one partner may be more dominant whereas the other more submissive.

  > However, research has found that lesbian couples who reported equal dominance in their long-term relationships were the most satisfied

  > Therefore, lowering the validity of complementarity in filter theory as an explanation as a similarity of needs may be a better predictor of attraction and long-term relationship satisfaction.