theories of romantic relationships: Rusbults investment model Flashcards
What is the first factor in relationship satisfaction?
Satisfaction: A relationship is judged by comparing rewards and costs. A satisfying relationship has more rewards and fewer costs. Partners feel satisfied when their needs are met.
What does “comparison with alternatives” refer to in relationships?
Comparison with Alternatives: Partners assess whether their needs could be better met outside the relationship, considering other potential rewarding or less costly options, including being single.
What is the third factor that influences commitment in relationships?
Investment: Rusbult introduced investment as a crucial factor. Partners are more committed if they have invested resources (time, energy, money) into the relationship. This helps maintain commitment even when costs outweigh rewards.
What are intrinsic and extrinsic investments in relationships?
Intrinsic Investment: Direct resources put into the relationship (e.g., money, energy, emotions, self-disclosure).
Extrinsic Investment: Resources associated with the relationship, but not directly part of it (e.g., shared memories, mutual friends, children).
What causes commitment to increase in relationships?
High levels of satisfaction, fewer attractive alternatives, and significant investments increase commitment, leading partners to stay and work on the relationship.
How does commitment affect relationship maintenance?
Committed partners engage in maintenance behaviours, put their partner’s interests first, and work to repair the relationship. They tend to be unrealistically positive about their partner and negative about alternatives.
