Relationships: Fresh Take

  • Explain the factors that influence human altruism
  • Describe attraction and the triangular theory of love
  • Explain social exchange theory
  • Discuss research on the link between love and the experience of pain or pleasure

Altruism

Watch this video to learn about altruism and the reasons why humans help one another, including the idea of reciprocal altruism:

You can view the transcript for “Altruism” here (opens in new window).

Attraction and Love

This video explains Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, and outlines the types of love that can result from combinations within the triangle:

You can view the transcript for “Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love” here (opens in new window).

Social Exchange Theory

Relationships are formed for many reasons—the social exchange theory proposes that we treat relationships quite economically. Watch this brief video explaining how the social exchange theory explains our decisions around forming and keeping relationships:
You can view the transcript for “Social Exchange Theory” here (opens in new window).