Relationships - Maintenance Flashcards
What does profit mean in social exchange theory?
People exchange resources with the expectation they will earn a profit
Profit happen when reward exceeds cost
What rewards can you gain from a relationship?
Being cared for
Companionship
Sex
What costs can occur in a relationship?
Time wasted
Missed opportunities
What is comparison level?
A standard against which all our relationships are judged
A product of our experiences together with our general views
How can abusive relationships be explained using social exchange theory?
Investments may be high and alternatives low
Staying in relationship is still a profit situation
How can comparison level affect how we view relationships?
If potential profit in a relationship exceeds our CL it will be seen as worthwhile
Other person becomes more attractive to us
If potential profit in a relationship is less than our CL it will not be seen as worthwhile
Leads to dissatisfaction
Other person becomes less attractive to us
What is comparison level for alternatives?
Person weighs up potential rewards from other people
If rewards are greater from another person minus costs from ending current relationship a new relationship can take the place of the current one
How do people deal with potential threats?
Reduce them
Participants asked to rate members f the opposite sex in terms of attractiveness
Those already in relationships gave lower ratings
What is equity theory?
People strive for fairness in relationships
People feel distressed if they perceive any kind of unfairness
Any kind of inequity had the potential to create distress
What does social exchange theory suggest?
All social behaviour is a series of exchanges
Attempt to maximise rewards and reduce costs
Commitment to a relationship depends on profitability of outcome
How can inequity occur in a relationship?
Give a lot and get little in return
Receive a lot give little in return
Both cause distress
The greater the inequity the greater the distress
How can equity be restored in a relationship?
Change the amount we put in
Change the amount we demand
Change our perceptions of relative inputs and outputs
Compare our relationship to our comparison level and evaluate whether it is worth continuing
