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.
Social Psychology of Attraction and Relationships
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Social Psychology of Attraction and Relationships
This course is part of Discover Yourself, Build Relationships, and Navigate Groups Specialization
Instructor: Kyle Smith
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
10 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Describe foundational concepts in how psychology understands relationships. Identify how each of the four determinants of initial attraction works.
Explain how we form impressions of other people, the nature of love, and the processes involved in terminating relationships.
Use different models of relationships to predict whether a relationship will be satisfying or not, and whether it will last.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
October 2024
Assessments
13 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Discover Yourself, Build Relationships, and Navigate Groups Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 10 modules in this course
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.
What's included
2 videos7 readings
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.
What's included
3 videos2 readings2 assignments
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.
What's included
2 videos5 readings3 assignments
This module covers the four primary determinants of initial attraction—propinquity, similarity, physical attractiveness, and reciprocal liking—and describes the mechanisms of each.
What's included
2 videos4 readings2 assignments
This module covers the different types of love that occur in friendship and romantic relationships, along with theories that describe their operation.
What's included
2 videos4 readings2 assignments
This module covers several different models of relationship satisfaction as well as the mental processes that control whether we stay in or leave relationships.
What's included
2 videos6 readings3 assignments
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.
What's included
1 video14 readings
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!
What's included
1 video1 assignment
This module contains a glossary, course references, and a list of contributors to the course.
What's included
3 readings
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.
What's included
8 readings
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Personal Development
University of Michigan
Coursera Project Network
ESSEC Business School
University of Michigan
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Personal Development? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.