Overview

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This course provides information about attraction and relationships, broadly defined. Topics in the course include how people learn about each other, the mechanisms that underlying the initial decisions on whether we like people or not, and psychological models of relationship satisfaction. The course also differentiates types of love and describes the decision process when people leave relationships. Within each of these topics, people are encouraged to apply the concepts to their own relationships.

Syllabus

Module 1: Learn With PsycLearn Essentials

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

Module 2: Foundations of Attraction and Relationships

This foundational module lays out the pathway the course will take, acquaints you with how psychologists think about attraction, demonstrates the psychological and health benefits of relationships, and discusses the different types of models that psychologists use when analyzing attraction and relationships.

Module 3: Impression Formation

This module covers the way people come to understand what other people are like and how they come to the decision of whether they like the other person or not.

Module 4: Determinants of Initial Attraction

This module covers the four primary determinants of initial attraction—propinquity, similarity, physical attractiveness, and reciprocal liking—and describes the mechanisms of each.

Module 5: Understanding Love

This module covers the different types of love that occur in friendship and romantic relationships, along with theories that describe their operation.

Module 6: Relationship Satisfaction and Dissolution

This module covers several different models of relationship satisfaction as well as the mental processes that control whether we stay in or leave relationships.

Module 7: Course Summary

This module contains information that will help you review the important concepts of the course and prepare you for the cumulative quiz. The module is broken down by learning objective, with each lesson containing key takeaways and key vocabulary relevant to that learning objective.

Module 8: Cumulative Quiz

This module contains a quiz covering all of the material in this course. It will count for 30% of your total course grade, so make sure you’ve reviewed the material well. Good luck!

Course Resources

This module contains a glossary, course references, and a list of contributors to the course.

PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.