Mere Exposure Effect in Attraction

Very Hard Unit 14: Social Psychology Attraction And Relationships

In the study of interpersonal attraction, one intriguing phenomenon is the concept of the mere exposure effect. This principle suggests that the more familiar we become with a person, the more we tend to develop a liking for them. However, this effect can be influenced by various factors, including the context of interactions, the nature of the initial exposure, and individual differences in personality traits like openness and agreeableness.

A recent study examined college students participating in various group activities, measuring their attraction levels towards fellow participants over time. The findings indicated that increased interaction in a positive environment led to a significant increase in attraction ratings. Given this background, which of the following statements accurately describes how the mere exposure effect can manifest in relationships?

Individuals exposed to novel experiences with a partner may experience a decline in attraction due to overstimulation.

The mere exposure effect relies heavily on the frequency of interaction, assuming that all contexts enhance attraction equally.

Positive interactions mediated by repeated exposure to a partner increase attraction, regardless of prior expectations.

Mere exposure only applies to visual stimuli and does not influence attraction in social relationships.

In all cases, attraction decreases when individuals engage in more social activities with one another.

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