What is the “Romeo and Juliet Effect”? How were the results of the original 1972 study different from the later replicated study in 2014?
How does this relate to the overall theme that parents’ involvement affects their children’s relationships? (Use examples from the play as support.)
The "Romeo and Juliet Effect" refers to the phenomenon where parental interference and opposition to a romantic relationship can actually strengthen the bond between the two individuals involved, mirroring the famous story of Romeo and Juliet. The original 1972 study conducted by Dr. Donald G. Dutton and Dr. Arthur P. Aron explored the theory that the threat of social ostracism could intensify romantic feelings. They presented male participants with an attractive female researcher at the end of a swaying suspension bridge, creating a heightened state of anxiety. The results indicated that participants who experienced the anxiety of the bridge were more likely to find the researcher attractive and romantic.
However, a later replicated study in 2014 by Dr. Benjamin Le evaluated the same hypothesis but included female participants as well. The results of this study contradicted the findings of the original study. It showed that both males and females reported less romantic attraction when they were anxious. Therefore, the 2014 study concluded that the previous findings of the Romeo and Juliet Effect may not be universally valid.
In relation to the overall theme of parental involvement affecting children's relationships, the concept of the Romeo and Juliet Effect suggests that parental interference can have unintended consequences. In Shakespeare's play, "Romeo and Juliet," the parental influence plays a significant role in shaping the tragic outcome.
For instance, the Capulet and Montague families' long-standing feud fuels Romeo and Juliet's secret romance. The intense opposition from their respective families strengthens their desire to be together, leading them to pursue an even more passionate and reckless relationship. Juliet's father, Lord Capulet, plays a particularly influential role in forcing Juliet into marriage with another man, which drives her to desperation and ultimately contributes to the tragic ending.
This theme is relevant to the idea that parental involvement can impact children's relationships because it highlights how parental interference can lead to defiance and rebellion, intensifying the bond between the two individuals involved. It signifies that when parents take a controlling or oppositional approach to their children's romantic relationships, it can potentially strengthen the couple's connection rather than dissuading them.