Relationship formation Flashcards
Thibaut and Kelley (1959) - name of theory
Social exchange theory
Thibaut and Kelley (1959)
The social exchange theory suggests that when deciding on a potential partner we make a cost-benefit analysis.
Social exchange stipulates that people apply economic principles when evaluating relationships, either consciously or unconsciously, conducting cost-benefit analysis while also comparing alternatives.
Thibaut and Kelley assume that people try to maximise the rewards they obtain from a relationship and minimise the costs – the minimax principle.
Sampling stage
Exploring rewards and costs of social exchange by experimenting with them in relationships (not just romantic) or by observing others doing so.
4 stages of relationship development
Sampling stage.
Bargaining stage.
Commitment stage.
Institutionalisation stage.
Bargaining stage
The beginning of the relationship, when romantic partners start exchanging various rewards and costs, negotiating and identifying what’s most profitable.
Commitment stage
Sources of costs and rewards become more predictable, relationship becomes more predictable and stable.
Institutionalisation stage
Partners are now settles down because the norms of the relationship, rewards and costs are now firmly established.
Applying the computer analogy to social exchange theory
The computer analogy can be applied to the concept of social exchange theory.
Individuals observe behaviours, such as costs (input), weigh up the cost and benefits (process) and then make a decision on the relationship (output).
Dion et al (1972) - name of theory
Halo effect
Dion et al (1972)
The halo effect suggests that if our schema for an individual contains positive impressions, then we’re more likely to believe they have other positive characteristics as well.
The schemas we have for other people helps determine the likelihood of forming romantic relationships.
Dion et al found that individuals who were judged to be physically attractive were also judged to be more competent romantic partners, more successful in their careers and possess other positive attributes.
The schema assumption would suggest that we may enter romantic relationships with people we find physically attractive as we also believe they have other positive characteristics as well.
Comparison level
Comparison level is the amount of reward you expect to receive.
(Benefits – cost)
Based on your own concept of what to expect in a relationship and developed from experiences of previous relationships which feed into the current one.
If someone has higher expectations, they may expect a greater degree of reward than the partner may be willing to give.
If someone has lower expectations, they may just settle with a minimum of rewards but also may be affected by manipulating and coercion.
Applying social exchange theory to comparison level
Do we believe that we could gain greater rewards and fewer costs from another relationship or being on our own?
We ask ourselves “Could I do better?”
Social exchange theory predicts we will stay in our current relationship as long as we consider it to be more rewarding.
