3.3: Theories of romantic relationships

Question 1

Briefly outline what is meant by ‘equity’ in relation to theories of romantic relationships (2 marks)

Answer 1

Equity is an economic model of relationships based on the idea of fairness for each partner and emphasises the need for each partner to experience a balance between their cost/effort and their benefit/reward

Question 2

Outline what is meant by the quality of alternatives within Rusbult’s investment model (2 marks)

Answer 2

The quality of alternatives concerns whether an individual’s needs could be better met in a possible alternative relationship than in an existing relationship.
If such needs, like emotional support and sexual gratification, are seen as being better met in an alternative relationship, then the quality of that alternative is seen as high