Rusbult's Investment Model of Commitment Flashcards
What is the idea of Rusbult’s investment model?
Works on the notion that the more you invest in something (i.e., money, time, effort etc.) the more likely you are to commit and continue and the less likely you are to walk away
What is commitment?
The likelihood that an individual will persist in the current relationship. This is influenced by high satisfaction and investment, and low quality of alternatives.
What is the satisfaction level in Rusbult’s model?
To what degree does your partner meet your needs (e.g., sexual and emotional needs).
What is the comparison level in Rusbult’s model?
Does the relationship stand up to other possible alternatives? Could your needs be better met outside the current relationship? Are alternatives more rewarding and less costly? Commitment to the relationship is stronger if needs are adequately met.
What are intrinsic investments?
Any resources we put directly into the relationship
What are tangible intrinsic investments?
Money and possessions
What are intangibles intrinsic investments?
Energy, emotion and self-disclosures
What are extrinsic investments?
Resources that became a part of the relationship
What are tangible extrinsic investments?
Possessions bought together, mutual friends acquired during the relationship and children
What are intangible extrinsic investments?
Shared memories
What is accommodation as a maintenance mechanism?
Partners should not engage in tit-for-tat retaliation, but instead act to promote the relationship. E.g., if your partner says something hurtful to you, you don’t say something hurtful back to them.
What is willingness to sacrifice as a maintenance mechanism?
Partners should also put their partner’s interests first.
E.g., if your partner is offered a promotion the other side of the country and you quit your job and move with them.
What is forgiveness as a maintenance mechanism?
Partners should forgive them for any serious transgressions. E.g., if your partner has an affair, but you agree to put it behind you and move forward in your relationship.
What are positive illusions as a maintenance mechanism?
Partners should be unrealistically positive about their partner’s qualities. E.g., when you exaggerate their best qualities whilst ignoring their negative qualities, and boast about them to others.
What is ridiculing alternatives as a maintenance mechanism?
Partners should be negative about tempting alternatives and other people’s relationships. E.g., if a couple you know are having relationship difficulties, you will joke about the problems they’re having.
