Relationships - Rusbult's Investment Model Flashcards
What is Rusbult’s Investment Model?
The investment model emphasises the central importance of commitment in relationships. Caryl Rusbult developed this model to address the limitations of social exchange theory (SET) and includes satisfaction level, comparison with alternatives, and investment size as key elements of a committed relationship.
What is satisfaction and comparison with alternatives (CLalt)?
Satisfaction level refers to the extent to which romantic partners feel the rewards of the relationship exceed the costs. Comparison with alternatives is a judgment about whether a relationship with a different partner would bring more rewards and fewer costs. A satisfying relationship is judged by comparing rewards and costs and whether it has many rewards (e.g., support, sex) and fewer costs.
What is investment size in Rusbult’s Investment Model?
Investment size refers to the resources associated with a romantic relationship that the partners would lose if the relationship were to end. It can include intrinsic investments (e.g., time, emotional energy, shared memories) and extrinsic investments (e.g., possessions, mutual friends).
How does commitment impact relationship maintenance mechanisms?
Commitment influences how partners behave to maintain the relationship. These relationship maintenance mechanisms include:
Accommodation: Acting to promote the relationship rather than retaliating.
Willingness to sacrifice: Putting the partner’s interests first.
Forgiveness: Forgiving serious transgressions.
Positive illusions: Unrealistically positive perceptions of the partner.
Ridiculing alternatives: Minimising the attractiveness of alternatives.
What is the relationship between satisfaction and commitment?
Satisfaction alone does not determine commitment. Even if satisfaction is low, high investment and a lack of alternatives can lead individuals to stay in the relationship. Commitment is considered more influential than satisfaction in explaining why individuals remain in relationships.
What is one evaluation point for Rusbult’s Investment Model?
Supporting research evidence: Agnew et al. (2003) conducted a meta-analysis of 52 studies involving 11,000 participants from five countries. They found that satisfaction, comparison with alternatives, and investment size all predicted relationship commitment. This applied to heterosexual and homosexual couples, increasing the model’s validity.
What is another evaluation point for Rusbult’s Investment Model?
Explains abusive relationships: Rusbult and Martz (1995) found that women in abusive relationships were more likely to stay if they had made large investments (e.g., children) and had few attractive alternatives. This highlights that commitment, rather than satisfaction, explains why individuals remain in some relationships.
What is an issue with overemphasis on investment in the model?
Critics like Goodfriend and Agnew (2008) argue that investment should include future plans. People may stay in relationships because they want to see their shared goals for the future come true. This shows that the original model does not fully explain the process of commitment.
What is a criticism regarding methodological issues in supporting research?
Most evidence for the model relies on self-report measures, which are subjective. However, this is appropriate because commitment and investments are perceptions rather than objective realities. While this supports the model, it raises concerns about its scientific validity.
