Social Psychology of Attraction and Relationships

What draws people together and keeps them there

This course looks at relationships through the lens of social psychology, asking why we warm to some people and not others and what makes a partnership feel satisfying over time. It is written for beginners, so the concepts are introduced from first principles.

Why the research matters day to day

Most of us form and judge relationships on instinct. Studying the underlying models gives you a way to notice patterns in your own friendships and romantic partnerships, and to think more clearly about when a relationship is worth repairing and when it may be time to step away.

Key takeaways

• How first impressions and early familiarity shape whether two people connect
• Frameworks for thinking about relationship satisfaction
• A look at different forms of love and how they differ
• How people reach the decision to end a relationship

The course suits psychology students and anyone curious about the science behind everyday social bonds.