Investment Model^

Question 1

Rusbult

Answer 1

extended the social exchange theory
maintenance of relationship is determined by commitment

Question 2

Factors Graph

Answer 2

likelihood that the relationship will persist depends on
Satisfaction
Comparison level with alternatives
Investment
Commitment Level
Relationship Maintenance Mechanism

Question 3

Satisfaction

Answer 3

based on comparison level
judge on Cost VS Reward
satisfaction = rewarding , not costly

Question 4

Comparison Level with Alternatives

Answer 4

evaluate if one’s needs could be better met with an alternative partner or being alone

Question 5

Investment

Answer 5

anything we lose once a relationship ends
intrinsic - directly put in relationships
- tangible and intangible (time, money)
extrinsic - was not previously in one’s life/relations. but are now strongly associated (kids)

Question 6

Satisfaction VS Commitment

Answer 6

Rusbult et al
stay in relations. because of commitment
satisfaction = contributing factor
Stay in unhappy relations. cause of commitment to partner/ relations. as put in lot of effot

Question 7

Enduring Partners

Answer 7

underbenefitted
find ways to promote the relations. and allow for their partner’s needs (accommadation)
put partner’s needs first (willing to sacrifice)
forgive them for serious issues (forgiveness)

Question 8

Committed Partners

Answer 8

unrealistically positive about partner when give alternatives (positive illusion)
negative towards tempting alternatives or other’s relationships (ridiculing alternatives)

Question 9

Oversimplifies Investment

Answer 9

model views investment as too simplistic
Goodfriend & Agnew
- more to invest that resources put in
- extended Rusbult’s model with investment in future plans
- motivated to commit as want plans to work out
Original model is limited as investment is more complex

Question 10

Explains Abusive Relationships

Answer 10

Rusbult & Martz
studied abused women at shelter
most likely to return to abuser, made the most investment and have few alternatives
can’t explain why people stay with only satisfaction, need to include commitment and investment

Question 11

Research Support

Answer 11

Le & Agnew
meta-analysis of 52 studies with 11,582 participants
each factor had significant correlation with commitment and a big predictor of relationship breakups
Supported by predicting commitment in relational (love) and non-relational (work) domains
Stronger in relational domains
Generalisation findings in all genders, cultures and relationships

Question 12

Perception VS Reality

Answer 12

much evidence relies on self report measures
appropriate as measure perception
commitment depends on their belief of your investment/alternatives
self report tap in perception which is more powerful influence on commitment than objective reality