RELATIONSHIPS - theories of romantic relationships : Rusbult's investment model Flashcards
what is Rusbult’s Investment Model?
Rusbult et al (2011) = commitment depends on three factors : satisfaction level, comparison with alternatives and investment size.
Explain Factor 1: Satisfaction.
The extent to which partners feel the rewards of a relationship exceed the costs.
Each partner is generally satisfied if they are getting more out of the relationship than they generally expect.
Explain Factor 2: Comparison with Alternatives.
judgement about whether a relationship with different partner would reduce costs and increase rewards.
Explain Factor 3: Investment.
Resources associated with a romantic relationship, which partners would lose if the relationship were to end.
what is Intrinsic investment?
resources out directly into relationship. eg time, money, self disclosure, emotion
what is extrinsic investment?
resources that didn’t previously feature in the relationship, which are now closely associated with it. eg mutual friends and children
what is the difference between satisfaction and communication?
RUSBULT ET AL (2011) = commitment matters more than satisfaction.
Commitment explains why a dissatisfied partner may stay in a relationship when their investment level is high = willing to work hard to repair problems so that investment is not wasted.
What are some relationship maintenance mechanisms?
- promoting the relationship
- putting their partners interests first
- forgiving them for any serious transgressions
- being unrealistically positive
- being negative about tempting alternatives
Gives strengths of Rusbult’s Investment Model?
+ RESEARCH SUPPORT for the investment model = Le and Agnew (2003) = meta-analysis of research into Rusbults model = found satisfaction, comparison with alternatives (CWA) and investment size all predicted relationship commitment = increases validity of Rusbult’s claim.
+ explains abusive relationships
Rusbult and Martz (1995) = studied domestically abused women in a shelter = returned to their partners as they had felt the greatest commitment to their relationship where their alternatives were poor and investment was great. = commitment + investment are also factors
Give limitations of Rusbult’s Investment Model?
- COUNTERPOINT FOR RESEARCH SUPPORT = most studies in Le + Agnews were correlational = do not allow us to conclude that satisfaction, CWA and investment leads to commitment. = Not cleat that the model has identified the causes of commitment
- OVERSIMPLIFIES INVESTMENT = GOODFRIEND AND AGNEW (2008) = argues there is more to investment = extended Rusbult’s OG model by including the investment partners make in their future plans = these motivate partners to commit so these plans become reality = OG MODEL IS LIMITED.
