R6. ToRR: Equity Theory

Question 1

Equity Theory

Answer 1

Suggests a balance between cost and benefit ratio. Couples aren’t always looking to maximise profits, but instead have a ‘fair’ relationship.

Question 2

Rewards Examples

Answer 2

Intimacy, love, sex, support, encouragement

Question 3

Costs Examples

Answer 3

Infidelity, Abuse

Question 4

Over/underbenefitting

Answer 4

• overbenefitting: guilt, shame, unworthiness
• underbenefitting: envious, disappointed

Question 5

Difference in ratios

Answer 5

Degree determines likelihood of relationship being salvaged, and effort required to do so

Question 6

Outcome of ‘fixing’ ratios

Answer 6

• behavioural: one partner increases own cost to increase other partners benefit - achieve equity
• cognitive: both individuals change perception of ‘equity’, accept certain ‘costs’ as norms (e.g. tardiness, messiness)

Question 7

Ratio differing over time

Answer 7

• ‘input’ or ‘cost’ very high in the beginning, but decrease as a standard of equity is established between the couple

Question 8

• Eval: Evidence of essentialness of ‘equity’

Answer 8

• equity may not be universal, or essential in upholding relationship quality
• ‘benevolents’ : individuals who are happy to give disproportionately to the relationship
• ‘entitleds’ : individuals who disproportionately thrive off the relationship
• both do so without worry and are aware of their actions, and partners attitudes

Question 9

+ Eval: Link between equity theory and level of satisfaction

Answer 9

• sample of 118, dating 2 years before marriage
• valued equity is a ‘key component’, preferred balance instead of ‘benevolents’ and ‘entitleds’
• equity has greater ecological validity that SET because it can explain quality and satisfaction associated with real life couples, as opposed to being solely theoretical