Theories Of Romantic Relationships: Rusbult's Model Flashcards
What did Rusbult’s model
Rusbult’s investment model further developed SET
What did Rusbult’s model suggest
That commitment depends on satisfaction level, comparison with alternatives and investment size
What is a satisfying relationship
One where the partners are getting more out of the relationship than they expect, given social norms and their previous experiences
What determine commitment
Satisfaction level, CLalt and investment
How does investment determine commitment
The resources associated with a romantic relationship which would be lost if the relationship ended
How does satisfaction level determine commitment
The extent to which partners feel the rewards of the romantic relationship exceed the costs
How does CLalt determine commitment
A judgment about whether a relationship with a different partner would reduce costs and increase rewards
What are the two types of investment
- Intrinsic
2. Extrinsic
What does intrinsic investment mean
Any resources put directly into the relationship (e.g. Money, energy etc)
What does extrinsic investment mean
Investments that previously did not feature in the relationship which are now closely associated with it (e.g. Joint house, children, memories etc)
When is a relationship likely to be continued
If investments are increasing and satisfaction is high
What is commitment determined by
Satisfaction + alternatives + investment
What does a relationship need for a partner to be committed to it
High levels of satisfaction + the alternatives are less attractive + the sizes of their investment are increasing
What matters more than satisfaction
Commitment
What does commitment being more important explain
This explains, for example, why a dissatisfied partner stays in a relationship when their level of investment is high - they will be willing to work hard to repair problems so investment was not wasted
What do committed partners use
Maintenance behaviours to keep the relationship going
What are the relationship maintenance mechanisms
- Accommodation
- Willingness to sacrifice
- Forgiveness
- Positive illusions
- Derogation of alternatives
What is accommodation
Promoting the relationship
What is willingness to sacrifice
Putting their partners interests first
What is forgiveness
Forgiving them for any serious transgressions
What is positive illusions
A partner may be unrealistically positive about their partner
What is derogation of alternatives
A partner may be negative about tempting alternatives/other people’s relationships
Name a strength of Rusbult’s model
Supporting evidence on self-report techniques - they are an appropriate research method since the model is based on subjective judgments about size of investment and alternatives - it is a more valid test than experimental research
Name a limitation of Rusbult’s model
The use of correlations - strong correlations have been established between factors within the model - no matter how strong the correlation it doesn’t follow one variable causing the other - cannot conclude from this which factors might cause commitment
