Playing Moderately Hard to Get: An Application of Brehm’s Emotion Intensity Theory

Stephen Reysen,Iva Katzarska-Miller

doi:10.5964/ijpr.v7i2.128

Abstract

In two studies, we examined the effect of different degrees of attraction reciprocation on ratings of attraction toward a potential romantic partner. Undergraduate college student participants imagined a potential romantic partner who reciprocated a low (reciprocating attraction one day a week), moderate (reciprocating attraction three days a week), high (reciprocating attraction five days a week), or unspecified degree of attraction (no mention of reciprocation). Participants then rated their degree of attraction toward the potential partner. The results of Study 1 provided only partial support for Brehm’s emotion intensity theory. However, after revising the high reciprocation condition vignette in Study 2, supporting Brehm’s emotion intensity theory, results show that a potential partners’ display of reciprocation of attraction acted as a deterrent to participants’ intensity of experienced attraction to the potential partner. The results support the notion that playing moderately hard to get elicits more intense feelings of attraction from potential suitors than playing too easy or too hard to get. Discussion of previous research examining playing hard to get is also re-examined through an emotion intensity theory theoretical lens.

Highlights

In two studies, we examined the effect of different degrees of attraction reciprocation on ratings of attraction toward a potential romantic partner
People are attracted to potential partners who are selective in their reciprocation of attraction
We suggest that a potential partner’s degree of reciprocation of attraction can serve as a deterrent to attraction

Summary

Introduction

We examined the effect of different degrees of attraction reciprocation on ratings of attraction toward a potential romantic partner. After revising the high reciprocation condition vignette in Study 2, supporting Brehm’s emotion intensity theory, results show that a potential partners’ display of reciprocation of attraction acted as a deterrent to participants’ intensity of experienced attraction to the potential partner. Learning that a potential romantic partner reciprocates one’s attraction leads to increased attraction for the potential partner (Greitemeyer, 2010) People expect their attraction to be reciprocated (Back et al, 2011), and experience negative emotions (i.e., distress) and uncertainty when reciprocation is withheld (Baumeister, Wotman, & Stillwell, 1993). A third explanation of why people like potential partners who play hard to get follows from Brehm’s (1999) emotion intensity theory. When no deterrents are present (i.e., difficulty of obtaining the goal is unknown or unspecified), the intensity of an emotion experienced equals the potential intensity of that emotion and represents the importance of obtaining one’s goal (see Figure 1)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion