Theories of romantic relationships - Rusbult's Investment Model of Commitment Flashcards
What is Rusbult’s Investment model of commitment?
This attempts to identify the determinants of relationship commitment and is made up of three factors/determinants that are positively linked with commitment
What are the three determinants of commitment according to Rusbult?
- Satisfaction level: The positive vs. negative effect experienced in a relationship that is influenced by the degree to which a partner meets an individual’s needs.
- Comparison with alternatives: The perceived desirability of the best alternative to the current relationship and is based upon the extent to which an individual’s needs could be better fulfilled elsewhere. If needs could be better met elsewhere, the quality of alternatives is high.
- Investment size: The amount and importance of the resources associated with a relationship and such resources would decline or be lost if the relationship was to end. These can be direct (time and effort), or indirect (shared friends, children or possessions). After investments have occurred, commitment is heightened
What are the two variables linked with commitment?
Equity: The degree of fairness. Inequity leads to distress and a lack of satisfaction in the relationship, thus leading to less commitment.
Social support: The degree of care and assistance from others, such as family and friends. If others approve of the relationship it produces a positive influence that increases commitment to the relationship.
Who administered the Investment Model Scale questionnaire to students and what did they find?
Rusbult; commitment was positively correlated with satisfaction level, negatively correlated with the quality of alternatives, and positively correlated with investment size, supporting all three factors of Rusbult’s model
What research suggests cross-cultural differences?
Van Lange et al. found support for all aspects of the model in Taiwanese students, and Lin and Rusbult found the same with Dutch students, suggesting cross-cultural consensus
What practical applications does this theory have?
Can explain why people remain in abusive relationships, as the cost of losing their investments may be too great
What casts doubt on the validity of research into Rusbult’s theory?
Research that supports the model is highly reliant on self-report measures, which may be subject to socially desirable and idealised answers, as well as research bias
What type of validity does this theory have?
Face validity
