Relationships: Theories of romantic relationships Flashcards
What are the theories of romantic relationships:
- social exchange theory
- equity theory
- rustbelts investment model
- ducks phase model of relationship breakdown
Outline social exchange theory:
- rewards, costs and profits
- comparison level
- comparison level for alternatives
- stages of relationship development
Outline social exchange theory:
- rewards costs and profits
relationship is satisfactory if rewards exceed costs
rewards and costs and subjective
Outline social exchange theory:
- comparison level
based on what rewards you think you deserve based on self esteem and previous relationships
Also influences by social norms and relationships we see on TV
Outline social exchange theory:
- Comparison level for alternatives
(CLalt)
do we believe we could gain greater rewards and fear losses from another relationship
Outline social exchange theory:
stages of relationship development
- sampling stage
explore rewards and costs by experimenting in our own relationships, or observing others - Bargaining stage
beginning of relationship, exchange starts, see what is most profitable - Commitment stage
relationship becomes more stable, exchange stable, rewards increase - Institutionalisation stage
parters settle. norms of rewards and costs are established
Outline Equity theory:
- the role of equity
- equity and equality
- consequences of inequity
Outline Equity theory:
- the role of equity
fairness
does not have to be equal
however if a partner is overbenefting or under benefiting too much they will become unhappy
Outline Equity theory:
- equity and equality
size of rewards and costs don’t matter, its their ratio to each other
aslong as they get out what they put in
rewards distributed fairly not necessarily evenly
e.g. disabled partner
Outline Equity theory:
- consequences of inequity
- changes in perceived equity
at start it feels natural to give more but as time goes on you may become sick of this. - Dealing with inequity
either work to reach equity by changing what each gives and takes
OR
change perception of what is equitable, so costs and rewards seem more equitable to them
Outline Rustbelts Investment Model:
- satisfaction and comparison with alternatives
- investment size
- satisfaction versus commitment
- relationship maintenance mechanisms
Outline Rustbelts Investment Model:
- satisfaction and comparison with alternatives
satisfaction comes if rewards exceed the costs
CLalt - can you get more out of another relationship or no relationship
Outline Rustbelts Investment Model:
- investment size
what would you lose if relationship ended:
- intrinsic investments: resources put directly into relationship e.g. time money
- extrinsic investments: resources acquired together e.g. house children
Outline Rustbelts Investment Model:
- satisfaction versus commitment
someone may stay in a relationship even if they are dissatisfied as their commitment level is too high
Outline Rustbelts Investment Model:
- relationship maintenance mechanisms
Accommodation - promote relationship
Willingness to sacrifice - put partners interests first
Forgiveness - forgive them
Positive Illusions - unrealistically positive about partner
Ridiculing alternatives - negative about other options
