Theories Of Romantic Relationships: Equity Theory

Question 1

What does the social exchange theory suggest

Answer 1

Partners seeks equality or balance between costs and benefits

Question 2

What did Walster et al propose

Answer 2

Quality is more important where both partners’ level of profit should be roughly the same

Question 3

What leads to dissatisfaction

Answer 3

Underbenefitting or overbenefitting relationships

Question 4

What is an underbenefitting partner likely to be

Answer 4

Be the least satisfied and their feelings may be evident in anger and resentment

Question 5

What is an overbenefitting partner likely to feel

Answer 5

May feel less dissatisfied but is still likely to feel discomfort and shame

Question 6

What is equity about

Answer 6

The fairness of the ratios

Question 7

What is it about the reward that matters

Answer 7

Not the size of amount but the ratio of the two to each other
E.g. If one partner puts a lots into the relationship and gets a lot out it will seem fair

Question 8

What does inequity cause

Answer 8

Impacts negatively on relationships

Question 9

What does the equity theory predict and strong positive correlation between

Answer 9

The greater the perceived inequity, the greater the dissatisfaction - applies to both underbenefitted and overbenefitted partners

Question 10

What occurs during a relationship

Answer 10

Changes in equity

Question 11

What may feel perfectly normal at the start of the relationship

Answer 11

To contribute more than you receive

Question 12

What happens if a person contributes more than they receive as the relationship progresses

Answer 12

Satisfaction will fail because they’re putting more in and getting less out

Question 13

What will the underbenefitted partner do?

Answer 13

Work hard to make the relationship more equitable if they believe it is possible to do so and that the relationship is salvageable - the greater the inequity the harder the work

Question 14

What could the change be described as

Answer 14

Cognitive rather than behavioural (e.g. The partner might revise their perception of rewards and costs so relationship feels more equitable to them)

Question 15

What could occur from the perception of rewards and costs being revised

Answer 15

Actual abuse can become accepted as the norm for that relationship (e.g. Reframing cruelty as a form of rough treatment for your own good)

Question 16

Name a strength of the equity theory

Answer 16

Research support - Utne et al

Question 17

What did Utne et al find

Answer 17

Newly-weds who considered their relationship equitable were more satisfied that those who considered themselves as over or underbenefitted

Question 18

What did Utne conclude

Answer 18

It would seem that profit is not the key issue in judgment of relationships, it is equity

Question 19

Why does Utne’s research support the equity theory

Answer 19

The central predictions of equity theory supporting its validity as an explanation of romantic relationships

Question 20

Name a imitation of the equity theory

Answer 20

May not apply to all relationships - need to distinguish between types of relationships (e.g. Romantic or business) - research shows it plays an important role in some relationships but there is limited evidence in others