Question

MCAT Psychology Tutorial: Social Behaviors

Answer 1

\({\bf{Social~Behavior:}}\) communication and behavior oriented towards individuals of the same species, or the population in general

\({\bf{Aggression:}}\) behavior intended to threaten/harm others
- instrumental: aggression that has a goal
- hostile: aggression that is in response to a perceived threat
- predatory: aggression that is controlled
- affective: aggression that is uncontrolled

\({\bf{Attraction:}}\) positive feelings towards another individual
- propinquity: nearness and regular exposure
- reciprocity: an individual experiences attraction towards a person who holds positive feelings towards that individual
- similarity: attraction towards individuals with similar characteristics
- physical attractiveness: attraction based on outward appearances
> matching hypothesis: individuals are drawn to those with a similar level of physical attractiveness

\({\bf{Attachment:}}\) desire to be with an individual and anxiety when separated from that individual
- attachment theory: one's childhood attachments influences one's relationships as an adult

attachment styles:
- secure attachment: parent/caregiver establishes appropriate boundaries and gives the right amount of attention/support to the child
> usually results in well-adjusted adults

- anxious attachment: parent/caregiver shelters the child
> may result in adults who are needy for attention

- avoidant attachment: parent/caregiver neglects the child
> may result in adults who isolate themselves and mistrust others

- ambivalent attachment: parent/caregiver neglects the child unless the child insists strongly on getting attention
> may result in anxious, depressed adults

- disorganized attachment: parent/caregiver is abusive and detached
> may result in adults who are hateful, harm themselves, and are prone to developing psychological/personality disorders
> considered the most harmful attachment style

\({\bf{Social~Support:}}\) the bonds between family, friends, or other providers and the associated resources provided
- emotional support: affection, love, warmth
- instrumental support: tangible things like money or services
- appraisal: evaluations from others, whether good or bad, that allow one to assess their own lives/behaviors

Answer 2

Anyway, that's the end of my tutorial, I hope it was a helpful resource. Source material is the 2nd Edition Barron's Prep book for the new MCAT