What is the difference between interpersonal attraction and cohesion?

Interpersonal attraction and cohesion are related concepts that are often discussed in the context of social psychology, but they refer to different phenomena.

Interpersonal attraction refers to the force that draws individuals together and makes them interested in one another. This attraction can be based on a variety of factors, including physical appearance, personality traits, similarities in attitudes and beliefs, social status, and the context in which people meet. Interpersonal attraction can lead to friendships, romantic relationships, and other forms of social bonds. It is essentially about the positive feelings that one individual has for another, which can include liking, love, or desire.

Cohesion, on the other hand, refers to the degree to which members of a group or team are united in pursuing common goals and how much they are willing to stick together over time. Cohesion is a group-level phenomenon, whereas interpersonal attraction is typically an individual-level phenomenon. Cohesion can be influenced by factors such as shared experiences, group success, the presence of a common enemy, effective communication, and the ability of the group to satisfy the needs of its members. High levels of cohesion can result in increased group performance, better cooperation, and higher levels of satisfaction among group members.

In summary, while interpersonal attraction is about the individual connections and feelings that draw people to each other, cohesion is about the collective bond that holds a group together. Both are important for understanding the dynamics of social relationships and group functioning, but they operate at different levels of social interaction.