RELATIONSHIPS - Investment Theory

Question 1

Rusbult’s Investment Theory

Answer 1

• theory of romantic relationships that explains commitment through three key factors
• satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, and investment size
• suggests that people stay in relationships not just because they are satisfied, but also based on what they have invested and the lack of better alternatives

Question 2

What is satisfaction determined by

Answer 2

• available alternatives
• better alternatives = less satisfaction

Question 3

What acts as a deterrent to leaving a relationship

Answer 3

investment

Question 4

Intrinsic investment

Answer 4

the resources put into the relationship directly (e.g. emotion, effort etc.)

Question 5

Extrinsic investment

Answer 5

resources arising out of the relationship (e.g. children, mutual friends, possessions bought together etc.)

Question 6

TBC