Theories of romantic relationships: Rusbult's investment model of commitment

Question 1

Le and Agnew

Answer 1

• meta-analysis of 52 studies
• 11,000 participants from 5 countries
• satisfaction, comparison with alternatives and investment size all predicted relationship commitment
• relationships in which commitment was greatest were the most stable and lasted the longest

Question 2

Goodfriend and Agnew

Answer 2

• there is more to investment than just resources
• extended Rusbult’s model by including future investments
• motivated to commit because they want to see their plans work out
• model is limited

Question 3

Rusbult and Martz

Answer 3

• studied domestically abused women at a shelter
• those most likely to return to an abusive partner (i.e. most committed) reported having made the greatest investment and having the fewest alternatives