Equity Theory Content Flashcards
What is the general concept of equity theory?
Individuals look for fairness in a relationship, trying to get out what you put in:
Costs = rewards
What are the two forms of inequity in relationships?
Over-benefiting: when they’re getting out more than they’re putting in
Under-benefiting: when they’re putting in more than they’re getting out
What are the psychological effects of inequity?
Dissatisfaction and distress:
. If over-benefiting: may experience guilt and shame (feeling not good enough)
. If under-benefiting: May feel sad, angry (not getting what you deserve)
How can inequity lead to relationship breakdown?
If inequity increases to a great amount, you will become more motivated to do something about it as you believe you can do better and aren’t getting what you deserve (CLalt)
Is equity always easy to achieve and what study investigates this?
No, you will often have to negotiate and make compromises
- Hatfield and Rapson (2011) found ways to restore equity in relationships
What are the 3 ways of dealing with inequity in Hatfield and Rapson (2011)?
- Restoration of actual equity - voluntarily setting things right or urging partners to do so, as long as they view the relationship as salvageable
- Restoration of psychological equity - distorting reality and convincing yourself things are perfectly fine the way they are
- costs become the norm - Leaving relationship emotionally or physically if unable to restore equity
Obviously 1 is the most ideal option
What research shows that expectations on equity change in a relationship and how?
Hatfield and Rapson (2011)
- at initial stages of relationship, considerations of rewards, fairness and equity are important
- as individuals become deeply committed to each other, equity becomes less important
. Happily married people don’t keep a score on how much they are giving and getting out
