Relationships - Theories Of Romantic Relationships Flashcards
What are the theories of romantic relationships?
- Social exchange theory
- Equity theory
- ….. not done
Describe social exchange theory
an economic theory of romantic relationships and is based on the idea that relationships are, “like a business” whereby we monitor the rewards (fun, attention, esteem, etc.) and the costs (time, emotional strain, etc.).
We all want the maximum rewards from a relationship and the minimum costs. The theory
proposes that individuals focus on getting out more than they put in.
What does social exchange theory assume about rewards and costs?
The theory assumes that those who offer rewards are attractive and those who are perceived to involve great costs are less attractive.
Relationships that are mutually beneficial will succeed whereas relationships that are imbalanced will fail.
Describe the role of comparisons in social exchange theory.
comparison level: we compare our present relationship to previous relationships we have had
comparison level for alternatives: we compare our present partner with people around us who we could potentially have a relationship with
We look around for a “better deal” if our current relationship is not satisfactory.
What are the strengths of social exchange theory?
- Gottman (1992) found that individuals in unsuccessful marriages frequently report a lack of positive behaviour exchanges with their partner, and an excess of negative exchanges. In successful/happy marriages the ratio (positive to negative exchanges) is 5:1, but in unsuccessful marriages the ratio is 1:1.
- practical applications. Integrated couples therapy (Jacobson, 2000) helps partners to break negative patterns of behaviours and to decrease negative exchanges, whilst increasing positive exchanges. 66% of couples reported significant improvements in their relationship after receiving this form of therapy.
- Different people perceive rewards and costs differently so this theory can account for individual differences in attraction.
What are the weaknesses of social exchange theory?
- Moghaddam (1998) suggests social exchange theory is more applicable to individualistic cultures than collectivist cultures. Family values and compatibility might be more important rewards in collectivist cultures. In individualist cultures, rewards might be viewed as a partner buying expensive presents.
- Critics of this theory disagree with the idea that people spend a great deal of time monitoring their relationship in terms of rewards and costs. They argue that people only monitor rewards and costs once the relationship becomes dissatisfying. For instance, we only look at comparison levels in a relationship when we are already dissatisfied, not when we are happy and the relationship is successful.
- The social exchange theory is rooted in the Behaviourist Approach whereby the focus of relationship maintenance is about rewards and operant conditioning. However, some relationships have little rewards but many costs, (e.g. violent relationships) and yet but they still continue.
Describe equity theory
Equity theory is an economic model of relationships based on the idea of fairness for each partner. It emphasises the need for each partner to experience a balance between their costs/effort and their benefits/rewards.
Why might distress be felt in a relationship (according to equity theory)?
What’s the exception?
Distress will be felt if the relationship becomes unfair. If people over-benefit in their relationship and receive more rewards than their partner they might feel guilt or pity. If people under-benefit in their relationship and receive less rewards than their partner, they might feel angry or sad.
An imbalance of rewards can be tolerated as long as both parties accept the situation; then the relationship will continue. An example could be that someone has lost their job, and their partner will tolerate and understand this.
Specifically define ‘equity’ as a key term in equity theory.
Equity does not always mean equality. Equity also means “fairness,” and each person in the relationship must feel that the relationship is fair. An equitable relationship has a fair ratio of rewards and costs for each individual
What are the strengths of equity theory?
- DeMaris (2007) studied 1500 couples as part of the US National Survey of Families and Households. He found that if women were under-benefitting to a high degree, then there was a high risk of divorce occurring. Therefore equity and inequity seem to be very important for women in a relationship.
- Brosnan (2003) found that female monkeys became angry if they were denied a prize (grapes) for playing a game with a researcher, especially if they saw another monkey who had not played the game receive the grapes instead. The monkeys got so angry that they hurled food at the experimenter. It seems that ideas of equity are rooted in our ancient origins.
What are the weaknesses of equity theory?
- Equity theory is more applicable to individualistic cultures rather than collectivist cultures. In individualistic cultures people might be more concerned with equal rewards and costs in order for a relationship to be successful. However, in collectivist cultures, extended family networks and family values might be more important when maintaining a relationship, rather than focusing on rewards and costs and the idea of equity. Relationships in collectivist cultures might be successful due to cultural expectations and obligations of
roles rather than equity of rewards and costs. - Buunk (1996) found no association between equity in a relationship and the future quality and maintenance of a relationship. Therefore just because a relationship is equal and fair in terms of rewards and costs; it does not mean that the relationship will progress. People have free will to choose whether to continue with a relationship or not; and just because a relationship is equitable it does not mean the relationship will necessarily continue and last.
- Research by Mills and Clark (1982) suggests that it is not possible to assess equity in loving relationships, as many of the rewards and costs are emotional/psychological and cannot be easily quantified or measured. If we measure rewards and costs then it could diminish the quality of love in the relationship which could be damaging.
Who proposed the Investment model?
What theory is this model extended from?
What is a key factor of a sustained relationship?
Rusbult developed/extended social exchange theory by proposing the investment model.
Rusbult saw commitment as a key factor in sustaining a relationship. Commitment depends on satisfaction, comparison with alternatives and investment.
Describe how investment theory works
Satisfaction is determined by available alternatives, better alternatives equals less satisfaction.
Investment acts as a deterrent to leaving a relationship.
Intrinsic investment refers to the resources put into the relationship directly (e.g. emotion, effort etc.) and extrinsic investment refers to resources arising out of the relationship (e.g. children, mutual friends, possessions bought together etc.).
How is the decision to stay or leave a relationship made? (Investment model)
Satisfaction, Alternatives, Investments ==> Commitment level ==> Future leave or stay decision
What are the weaknesses of Rusbult’s Investment Model?
- very difficult to measure the factors of commitment, satisfaction, investment and quality of alternatives. Rusbult responded by constructing an investment model scale which could measure each of the key variables in a reliable and valid way. The research that Rusbult conducted using these scales involved self- reports, and this then created further problems of social desirability bias.
- Lin (1995) found that this model does not account for gender differences when looking at relationships. They found that females tend to report higher satisfaction, poorer quality of alternatives, greater investment and stronger commitment in relationships compared to males.
