According to social exchange theory, what influences a person's attraction to another?

Social exchange theory posits that human relationships are formed based on the exchange of rewards and costs. Thus, the attraction a person feels toward another is primarily influenced by their evaluation of the potential rewards (such as emotional support, companionship, and affection) compared to the costs (such as time, effort, and potential emotional pain) involved in the relationship.

According to this theory, individuals seek to maximize their rewards while minimizing their costs, which means they are likely to feel more attracted to someone when they perceive that the relationship will yield greater benefits than drawbacks. This balance of rewards and costs is central to understanding why certain relationships are more appealing than others, emphasizing the rational decision-making process underlying interpersonal attraction.

While a person’s beliefs about themselves, past experiences, and social status of the other person can play roles in relationships, the fundamental premise of social exchange theory highlights the importance of assessing potential outcomes in terms of rewards and costs, making it the most relevant factor in this context.