The Psychology of Workplace Romance
This article explores the psychological mechanisms behind workplace romance. Based on Festinger et al.'s (1950) proximity effect research, Zajonc's (1968) mere exposure effect, and Goffman's (1959) self-presentation theory, we examine statistical data on workplace romance occurrence and success rates, Big Five personality correlations with workplace romance tendencies, the gap between professional and private personas, risks associated with power differentials, psychological impacts of workplace romance breakups, the transition process from colleague to romantic partner, and boundary-setting strategies for maintaining both relationship quality and professionalism.