Rusbult investment model

Question 1

What three factors does commitment depend on (Rusbault 2011)

Answer 1

• satisfaction level
• comparison with alternatives
• investment size

Question 2

What is the satisfaction level

Answer 2

• refers to the positive and negative effect experiences in a relationship
• satisfaction is infleunced the the degree to which a partner meets the individual’s needs e.g. emotional and sexual needs
• if a partner is unable to meet these needs, this will be perceieved as a cost and will influence their level of satisfaction- could influence whether they want to remain in the relationship

Question 3

What is comparison with alternatives

Answer 3

• refers to the perceieved desirability of the best alternative to current relationship
• if the needs could be better met outside of the relationship then the quality of alternatives is high- it is more profitable to move on with the alternative
• if such needs are best met within the current relationship, commitment is stronger
• alternatives can include the possibility of not having a romantic partner

Question 4

What is investment size

Answer 4

• Rusbult realised that the comparison level from social exchange theory are not enough to explain commitment- they do not provide a full explanation and if they were then many more relationships would end when cost outweighed rewards
• investment was introduced and refers to the extent and importance of the resources associated with the relationship. It is anothing we would lose if the relationship was to end

Question 5

Rusbult argues there are two major types of investments- what are intrinsic investments

Answer 5

• any resources that we put directly into the relationship

- these are less easy to quantify, such as energy, emotions and self disclosures

Question 6

Rusbult argues there are two major types of investments- what are extrinsic investments

Answer 6

• resources that previously did not feature in the relationship but are not closely associated with it
• include possessions bought, children, shared memories

Question 7

The two variables linked with commitment are equity and social support. What is equity

Answer 7

• the degree of ‘fairness’ within a relationship
• inequity leads to distress and lack of satisfaction with a relationship and therefore less commitment
• distress can be relieved by ending relationship

Question 8

The two variables linked with commitment are equity and social support. What is social support

Answer 8

• the degree of care and assistance available from others, such as family and friends
• if others approve of relationship, it produces a positive influences that increases commitment

Question 9

Evaluation of investment model

Answer 9

• less deterministic than SET- cost doesn’t automatically lead to ending the relationship, it has an influence on satisfaction
• compairson with alternatives- less reductionist than SET and et- more applicable to different situations
• investment size- adds an adspect to explain why oeioke stay in a relationship that may be costly- less reductionist
• considers aspects of ET and SET e.g. equity

Question 10

Research for investment model - LE and Agnew (2003)

Answer 10

• did a meta analysis of 52 studies and found a correlation between commitment to a relationship and satisfaction, quality of alternatives and investment
• support across individualist and collectivist cultures, such as in the USA (individualist culture) and in Taiwan (collectivist culture)
• valid for different sub-groups, such as friendships; homosexual relationships; and cohabiting couples, etc. This suggests the universality of the Investment Model, making it applicable to wide range of relationships