theories of romantic relationships

Question 1

who did the social exchange theory

Answer 1

Thibault and Kelley

Question 2

what is the social exchange theory

Answer 2

economic theory of costs and rewards
costs= stress
rewards= sex

Question 3

what is the minimax principle

Answer 3

partners minimise their costs but maximise their rewards

Question 4

what is the comparison level

Answer 4

comparing relationship to past ones, self worth, cultural norms

Question 5

what is the comparison level for alternatives

Answer 5

wether a relationship with someone else would be more rewarding

Question 6

what are the stages of a relationship

Answer 6

1. sampling- explore costs/rewards
   2.bargaining- negotiating them
   3.commitment- stability
   4.internalisation- norms

Question 7

AO3 SET

Answer 7

+ Kurdeck. most commitment= most rewards.however equity theory contradicts
- Argyle says SET only applies to sapling stage. we only look for alternatives when costs outweigh rewards
+spreecher. if available partners increase then commitment and satisfaction decreases

Question 8

who did the equity theory, what did they suggest

Answer 8

Hatfield.
relationships should be fair- a balance of costs and rewards
overbenefitters feel shame
underbenefitters feel anger

Question 9

AO3 equity theory

Answer 9

+Utne. 118 newly weds. found equity= satisfaction. more valid than SET
-culture. Ryan compared couples in collectivist and individualistic cultures. individualistic satisfied with equity where as collectivists satisfied with overbenefitting
- ind. diff. Huseman. benevolent partners contribute more. entitled people want to over benefit. equity not necessary in every relationship

Question 10

who did the investment model

Answer 10

Rusbult

Question 11

what is commitment, which factors does it depend on

Answer 11

intention to carry a relationship on
depends on; satisfaction, quality of alternatives, investments (intrinsic or extrinsic)

Question 12

maintenance mechanisms keep a relationship going, what are examples?

Answer 12

accommodation
forgiveness
willingness to sacrifice
positive illusions of partners qualities
ridiculing alternatives

Question 13

AO3 investment model

Answer 13

• oversimplified. Goodfield and Agnew. more to investment than resources. Eg future plans. original model flawed
  + Lee and Agnew. women with investments stay in abusive relationships. commitment to inexplainable behaviour
  -correlational
  + Rusbult. questionaire. 17 males. 17 females. as relationship develops investment increases resulting in greater commitment