The Most Dramatic Poster Ever: Expectations and Behaviors of Successful and Unsuccessful Relationships on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette
Poster Number
34
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Darren Ritzer
Abstract
The number of reality television shows showcasing intimacy has increased over the decades, with The Bachelor franchise being one of them. For our study, we selected four seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, a reality series in which one man or woman is given the opportunity to select a romantic partner from a large group of potential candidates. Two of these ended with the final couple becoming married (successful), and two ended with the final couple not staying engaged (unsuccessful). We created categories for mild to intense levels of physical contact. Two raters watched each episode and categorized the behavior. Analyses revealed that kissing was a significant indicator of a successful relationship. A positive significant correlation was found between intense kissing and length of time that the final contestant stayed on the show. Similarly, we found that the more the couple engaged in romantic discourse, the longer the final contestant stayed on the show. More kissing related to more physical touch in general, and to more frequent romantic discourse. Additionally, to assess if “real life” relationships show the same patterns of behavior, we distributed a survey to participants (n=361) to assess the importance of specific qualities in romantic relationships and satisfaction. Overall, the amount of kissing and intimate behavior and satisfaction was significant, while how soon in the relationship they kissed or used intimate behavior was not significant. Overall, this research helps identify patterns in relationships and behaviors that may lead to a more satisfying and/or longer lasting relationship.
Course Assignment
Research Methods in Psychology, PSYC 302, Dr. Darren Ritzer
Previously Presented/Performed?
Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 2016
Start Date
22-4-2016 2:15 PM
End Date
22-4-2016 4:15 PM
The Most Dramatic Poster Ever: Expectations and Behaviors of Successful and Unsuccessful Relationships on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette
Richardson Ballroom
The number of reality television shows showcasing intimacy has increased over the decades, with The Bachelor franchise being one of them. For our study, we selected four seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, a reality series in which one man or woman is given the opportunity to select a romantic partner from a large group of potential candidates. Two of these ended with the final couple becoming married (successful), and two ended with the final couple not staying engaged (unsuccessful). We created categories for mild to intense levels of physical contact. Two raters watched each episode and categorized the behavior. Analyses revealed that kissing was a significant indicator of a successful relationship. A positive significant correlation was found between intense kissing and length of time that the final contestant stayed on the show. Similarly, we found that the more the couple engaged in romantic discourse, the longer the final contestant stayed on the show. More kissing related to more physical touch in general, and to more frequent romantic discourse. Additionally, to assess if “real life” relationships show the same patterns of behavior, we distributed a survey to participants (n=361) to assess the importance of specific qualities in romantic relationships and satisfaction. Overall, the amount of kissing and intimate behavior and satisfaction was significant, while how soon in the relationship they kissed or used intimate behavior was not significant. Overall, this research helps identify patterns in relationships and behaviors that may lead to a more satisfying and/or longer lasting relationship.
