Relationships: rusbult model ao1

Question 1

how is rusbuts investment model an extension of social exchange

Answer 1

commitment dep on …
- satisfaction level
- comparison with alt
- investment size

Question 2

a satisfying relationship is one where

Answer 2

Outcome of current relationship (Rewards - Costs), surpasses previous relationships, social norms and what they expect.

Question 3

satisfaction level refers to the extent which partners feel …

Answer 3

the rewards of the romantic relationship exceeding the costs

Question 4

CLalt is …

Answer 4

a judgement of whether alternatives would reduce costs and increase rewards
*alt doesnt just have to be in another relationship - could just be being single

Question 5

why did rusbult add the idea of investments to his model

Answer 5

CL and CLalt arent enough to explain comitment bc everytime a relationship started costing too much it would just end

Question 6

investment is

Answer 6

resouces associated w romantic relationship that would be lost if relationship ended

Question 7

Types of investment

Answer 7

Intrinsic
Extrinsic

Question 8

Instrinsic investment

Answer 8

Resources we put directly into relationship
Time/energy/self disclosures - intangible
money/possesions - tangible

Question 9

Extrinsic investment

Answer 9

things that didnt previously exist but do now
eg jointly purchased house, children

Question 10

what can we say based on this theory = to a committed relationship

Answer 10

high levels of satisfaction (more rewards, less cost) + less attractive alt + increasing size of investment = partners will be committed to the relationship

Question 11

main reason why people stay in relationships via this theory is ….. not …….bc

Answer 11

commitment matters more than satisfaction
explains why a dissatisfied partner stays in relationship where investment is high - willing to work through relationship so investment not wasted

Question 12

commited partners use …… to keep the relationship goingr

Answer 12

relationship maintence mechanisms

Question 13

list the 5 relationship maintenence mechanisms

Answer 13

accomodation
willingness to sacrifice
forgivness
positive illusions
ridiculing of alternatives

Question 14

explain accomodation as a maintence mechanism

Answer 14

promoting the relationship

Question 15

explain willingness to sacrifice as a maintence mech

Answer 15

put their partners interests first

Question 16

explain forgivness as relationship maintence mech

Answer 16

forgiving any serious transgressions

Question 17

explain positive illusions and ridiculing alt as a rel main mech

Answer 17

being unrealistically positive ab partner
negative about tempting alt or other relationhsips

Question 18

Rusbult 1983 aim

Answer 18

She wanted to test her investment model of relationships

Question 19

Rusbult procedure

Answer 19

Asked college students (heterosexual) to
complete a questionnaire over a 7 month
period
• Students kept notes on the following:
• Relationship satisfaction
• Quality of alternatives
Investment
Commitment level

Question 20

Rusbult findings

Answer 20

Satisfaction comparison and investments each contributed to commitment and to break up
High satisfaction and investment seem to be important in committed relationships, the existence of an attractive alternative appears to be a large feature in deciding to end a relationship

Question 21

Rusbult conclusion

Answer 21

Her investment theory is reliable - consistent with everyday relationships and factors that cause relationships to be ended - high ecological validly