L11 - Relationships

Question 1

What are the characteristics of close relationships?

Answer 1

• Interaction: Frequent interaction over extended periods e.g sports
• Activities: Involving different activities and events
• Influence: Strong interpersonal influence = unique to relationships = people change each other and become the same person

Question 2

What is the interdependence theory?

Answer 2

Seek relationships where benefits outweighs cost

Question 3

What are rewards and costs defined as?

Answer 3

• Anything one gains: love/money
• Anything a person loses: time/energy/loss of rewards

Question 4

What happens when you are in a relationship? Or feeling dissatisfied?

Answer 4

• Comparison level = what we deserve
• Comparison level of alternatives: what we could have with someone else
• e.g looking at friends relationships, movies, and who is available

Question 5

What do you see in relationships?

Answer 5

• Correspondent Outcomes: exist when both partners value the same things e.g kids
• Social norms: Arise when partners need to develop rules for trade-offs; compromise
• Social roles: rules for who does which activities

Question 6

What are the three principles that govern fairness in close relationships?

Answer 6

• Equality: same things given to all - hard to quantify irl
• Relative needs: people have different wants/needs - things are more valued to one partner
• Equity: deservingness. Outcomes of P1/Contribution = Outcome of P2/Contribution

Question 7

What is equity theory?

Answer 7

• People in relationships want to maximise outcomes
• Rules evolve about how to divide rewards fairly
• When inequity is perceived, distress felt & equity must be restored

Question 8

What was a study about equity?

Answer 8

• Inequity = distress for both parties
• People restore equity by behaviours/thoughts about relationship
• Thoughts are them deluding themselves but will clear up soon

Question 9

What are the effects of inequity?

Answer 9

• Decreases relationship satisfaction in couples esp early in relationship
• Effects on relationship satisfaction are stronger for people who have a high concern with fairness in relationships

Question 10

What are the two types of relationships that shows not all couples are the same?

Answer 10

• Exchange relationship: people give benefits with expectation of receiving specific benefits in return
• People provide benefits to one another on the basis of needs. No repayment needed

Question 11

When might problems arise?

Answer 11

Conflict when relationship becomes more serious

Question 12

What does dissatisfaction lead to?

Answer 12

• Attributions: either relationship enhancing or distress maintaining
• Happy couples make more relationship-enhancing attributions
• Distress-maintaining attributions may decrease satisfaction over time
• Reciprocation: of negative affect
• Can be diminished by commitment and perspective talking and empathy

Question 13

Types of methods people take when problems arise:

Answer 13

• Voice without hostility = restoration
• Loyalty = wait, could be short term issue due to external factor
• Neglect = giving up - not even fighting
• Exit = evaluate options