Maintenance Of Relationships Flashcards
What does equity theory suggest?
We are less concerned with seeking rewards for ourselves and more concerned with fairness in a relationship
What does equity mean?
Balance and stability
What is equity theory based on?
Social exchange theory
What does social exchange theory suggest?
Our perception of fairness and balance of our current relationship depends on two comparisons we make
What are the comparisons we make according to social exchange theory?
1) comparison level- based on past experiences of rewards and costs in past relationships
2) comparison level for alternatives- compare current relationship with alternatives
An example of how rewards are negotiated to ensure fairness…
Through trade-off of compensations, as a favour is paid back with a similar favour
What happens if a relationship is inequitable?
It’s likely to breakdown as ‘loser’ feels dissatisfied
What is the focus on in enduring relationships?
Constant ratio or rewards to costs which is stable and considered fair
Who did research into equity theory?
Dainton,
Van Yperen and Buunk,
De Maris
How many participants did Dainton use?
219 in romantic relationships
What did Dainton find?
This is perceived inequitable relationships had lower relationship satisfaction but motivated to return it to equitable state to maintain the relationship
Information about Van Yperen and Buunk’s participants…
259 couple, which were recruited using an ad in a local paper, 86% were married
What did Van Yperen and Buunk do?
Measured equity using Hatfield’s global measurement of satisfaction scale
What did Van Yperen and Buunk find?
65% felt they were in equitable relationship and a year later the 65% were the ones who reported greatest relationship satisfaction
What did De Maris do?
Assessed equity in relation to marital dissatisfaction and later breakdown using 1500 Americans
