Theories of Romantic relationships: Investment model Flashcards
who proposed the Investment model
Rusbult- Key to relationship is Commitment level
WHat three factors contribute to Commitment
Strengthens:
Satisfaction level
Investment size
Weakened:
Comparison with alternatives
How does satisfaction strengthen relationship
Satisfying relationship is judged by comparing rewards and costs and is seen to be profitably if it has many rewards and few costs. This is based on the concept of the comparison level from previous relationships.
How does quality of alternatives affect commitment
Attractive alternative=they may leave the relationship.
No alternatives exists= they may maintain the relationship which increases satisfaction
However, sometimes having no relationship is a more attractive alternative than being in an
unsatisfactory one.
Investment size affect commitment
Investment is anything that a person puts into a relationship that will be lost if it ends. There are two types of Investments:
Extrinsic Investments- shared things that may be lost:
Children and mutual friends
Intrinsic Investment-Resources we directly put into the relationship. e.g.Time , personal information – i.e. self disclosure
Satisfaction VS Commitment
Rustbult et al argues that the main factor that causes people to stay in relationship is not satisfaction but commitment. This explains why dissatisfied partners choose to stay in relationships. They are committed because they have made a investment that they do not want to see go to waste. Therefore they will work hard to maintain and repair a damaged relationship.
Relationship maintenance mechanisms
Accommodation- act to promote the relationship
Willingness to sacrifice- Put partner’s interests first
Forgiveness- forgive serious transgressions
Also a cognitive element:
Positive illusions- The couple are unrealistically positive about their partner
Ridiculing alternatives- negative about tempting alternatives and other people’s relationships
