relationships - rusbult's investment theory

Question 1

what did rusbult argue?

Answer 1

argues that commitment to a relationship depends on three factors. the different factors which we focus on when deciding whether or not to continue with a relationship.

Question 2

what are the three factors?

Answer 2

satisfaction levels, comparison to alternative and investment levels.

Question 3

what is satisfaction?

Answer 3

the extent to which romantic partners feels the rewards of the relationship exceed the costs, it is also based on comparison levels.

Question 4

what is comparison with alternatives?

Answer 4

this is a judgement that partners ,ale concerning whether a relationship with a different partner would bring more rewards and fewer costs.

Question 5

questions that should be considered?

Answer 5

could my needs be better met outside this relationship?
what if the alternatives are more rewarding and less costly?
am i better off single?

Question 6

what is investment?

Answer 6

the resources associated with a romantic relationship which partners would lose if their relationship was to end.

Question 7

how many types of investment was introduced?

Answer 7

2

Question 8

what is intrinsic investments?

Answer 8

any resources directly put into a relationship such as money and emotions.

Question 9

what is extrinsic investments?

Answer 9

resources which did not feature in the relationship to begin with but now associated with the relationship such as cars and children.

Question 10

what is relationship maintenance mechanisms?

Answer 10

1) promoting the relationship (accommodation)
2) putting their partner interest first (willingness to sacrifice)
3) forgiving them for any serious mistakes (forgiveness)
4) a partner may be unrealistically positive about their partner
5) a partner may be negative about alternatives, see them in a negative light/ other people’s relationships (ridiculing alternatives)