Rusbult's investment model Flashcards
how does investment theory build on the SET
-Investment theory was developed by Rusbult as a development of the social exchange theory as a way to explain why some couples stay together even when the costs outweigh the profit
Two principles of the social exchange theory that the investment theory is based on
-satisfaction with the relationship:this is based on comparison levels which are an individuals estimation of how rewarding a relationship should be
-comparison with alternatives: Individuals may think that they’re overall profit in a relationship would be higher with an alternative than the original
last feature of investment theory + what happens when all of these features of the investment model is addressed
Investment size
-When all three criteria of the investment model (satisfaction with the relationship, comparison with alternatives and investment size) are addressed, commitment will then follow
What is investment and investment size
-Investment is how much (quantity and quality) a person puts into a relationship
-Investment size is the overall value of this investment
investment theory equation
Commitment = satisfaction-alternatives+investment
what is likely to happen if the relationship ends
If the relationship ends, both partners are likely to lose out emotionally, materially and financially
there are two types of investment according to the investment model
Intrinsic investments is everything each individual brings to the relationship separately i.e money,time, energy, possessions
Extrinsic investments is everything that is the result of the relationship i.e children, joint possessions, joint memories, holidays, friends
how does investment explain why partners do not break up even though satisfaction is low
-When both partners are significantly invested into the relationship (materially or emotionally etc) the relationship is unlikely to end even when satisfaction is low
Commitment
-Commitment refers to how dedicated a couple are to staying together
-Commitment helps to maintain relationships e.g a couple will work through a “rough patch” even if it is difficult because they both have commitment
Strategies to maintain commitment suggested by the RIM
-Sacrifice on both sides- Each partner putting their other half first instead of pursuing selfish motivations
-Forgiveness - even when it may be difficult
-Accomodation- not engaging in petty point scoring and doing everything to prevent the relationship from harm
-Idealisation - an almost impossible idealisation of their other partner and a refusal to accept the possibility of alternatives
Research evaluation - Rusbult questionnaire
-Rusbult conducted a questionnaire experiment in which he used 17 male participants and 17 female participants
-He asked them questions on investment, costs, rewards, relationship stability and comparison with alternatives
-The findings indicated that as the relationship develops, commitment increases and the consideration of alternatives decreases
-This suggests that investment size is linked to commitment, and these factors ultimately influence leave/stay decisions in the relationship
Culture bias with the investment model
-Rusbults’ investment model may be culturally biased as it does not address cultural differences in relationships, e.g., in collectivist cultures, relationships may be more based on family tradition/religion or duties. Therefore we cannot generalise this theory beyond individualistic cultures (ethnocentric)
Strength of Rusbult Investment model - Provides explanation for relationships SET and Equity theory cannot
-Rusbults investment theory provides an explanation for some relationships that cannot be explained using social exchange theory or equity theory
-For example an abused partner with low profit staying in the relationship or a partner in a satisfying relationship with low investments leaving the relationship because of an attractive alternative
Weakness of the Rusbult investment model (overlap of intrinsic and ectrinsic investments)
-It may be difficult to separate the key components of the investment model e.g intrinsic and extrinsic investments might overlap or be difficult to distinguish between one another
