Relationships - Theories of romantic relationships : Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
Who proposed Social Exchange Theory?
Thibault and Kelley
What is SET?
It is a theory which takes an economical approach to viewing relationships as worthwhile based on their relative costs and benefits. It is based on the minimax principles which aims to increase rewards and decrease costs. We invest time, money, and energy into each relationship so we want to ‘get our worth’.
What do we use to assess potential profits from a relationship?
Comparison levels and comparison of alternatives
What are comparison levels?
Our perception of what we are worth and also what we can get out of a relationship. CL become more sophisticated and potentially more accurate with experience.
What is CL influenced by?
Influenced by social and cultural factors such as what novels and TV programs depict a good or bad relationship.
What does our CL determine?
Determines the quality of our partner and the quality of the relationship we are looking for. For example, someone with feelings of worthlessness may ‘settle’ for relationships which yield little profit.
What is Comparison of alternatives?
We may consider ending a relationship if they can see that there are other alternatives which would give them a larger return on their investment. This is a sign of an unstable relationship.
What are the 4 stages of assessing the quality and profit of a relationship?
- Sampling = rewards and costs are determined through trial and error
- Bargaining = compromises are made in terms of costs and rewards
- Commitment = standards of costs and rewards are known to both parties
- Institutionalisation = standards and expectations are well established
What are the limitations of SET?
- SET may be more useful as a retrospective explanation as to why relationships breakdown, rather than an explanation of their initial development.
- SET makes the incorrect assumption that comparisons of alternatives trigger dissatisfaction
- The overemphasis of SET on the role of comparison levels ignores the importance of equity
What was Kurdek and Schmitt’s procedure?
Investigated the importance of social exchange factors in determining relationship quality in 185 couples . The sample consisted of 44 heterosexual married couples, 35 co-habiting heterosexual couples, 50 same sex male couples and 56 same sex female couples. Each couple lived together and did not have children living with them. Each couple completed a questionnaire without discussing their answers with each other
What did Kurdek and Schmitt investigate?
Investigated the importance of social exchange factors in determining relationship quality
What were the findings of Kurdel and Schmitt’s study?
For each of the four different types of couple, greater relationship satisfaction was associated with:
a. The perception of many benefits of the current relationship (CL)
b. Seeing alternatives to the current relationship as less attractive (CLA)
These findings show that the factors that predict satisfaction in same-sex relationship are the same one that predict satisfaction in heterosexal relationships.
Explain the problem of costs and benefits
A problem for SET is the confusion of what constitutes a cost and a benefit within a relationship. What might be considered rewarding to one person (e.g constant attention and praise) may be punishing to another (e.g might be viewed as irritating) . In addition, what might have been seen as a benefit at one stage of the relationship may be seen as a cost at another time as partners may redefine something they previously perceived as rewarding or punishing . This suggests that it is difficult to classify all events in such simple terms as ‘costs’ and ‘benefits’ and challenges the view that all romantic relationships operate in this way.
Explain the real world application of social exchange theory
Gottman and Levenson found that in successful marriages , the positive to negative exchanges was around 5:1 but in unsuccessful marriages this ratio was much lower , at around 1:1 or less. A primary goal of Integrated Behavioural Couples Therapy is to increase the proportion of positive exchanges within a relationship and decrease the proportion of negative exchanges. Christensen treated over 60 distressed couples using ICBT and found that about 2/3 reported significant improvements in the quality of their relationships as a result.
Why are costs and benefits overemphasised in SET?
An individual’s own relational beliefs may make them more tolerant of a relatively low ratio of benefits to costs within their relationship . Eg they may have the belief that ‘If you have committed yourself to a relationship, you live with what it brings’ or ‘it is selfish to focus on one’s own needs.’ Although they may recognise an unfavourable ratio of benefits and costs, their relationship standard means that they continue to provide benefits to their partner and simply put up with the costs. Therefore, social exchange alone cannot explain relationship satisfaction without also considering individual differences in relational standards and beliefs.
