chapter 6 Flashcards
(173 cards)
T: when we need others and they need us in order to obtain valuable interpersonal rewards
interdependency
two people offer each other rewards that entice them to begin a process called … in which they each provide to the other benefits and rewards that the other wants
social exchange
T: the gratifying experiences and commodities we obtain through our contact with others
rewards
T: punishing, undesirable experiences
costs
examples of costs
financial expenditures, such as buying drinks for your date, or actual injuries, such as split lips`
some of the most important costs of intimate interaction are … burdens: uncertainty about where a relationship is headed, frustration over your partner’s imperfections, and regret about all the things you don’t get to do because you’re in that relationship
psychological
T: the net profit or loss a person encounters, all things considered. Adding up all the rewards and costs involved
outcomes
Outcomes = Rewards − Costs
whether your outcomes are positive or negative isn’t nearly as important as how they compare to two criteria with which we evaluate the outcomes we receive. The first criterion involves our …, and the second involves ….
expectations
our perceptions of how well we could manage without our current partner.
positive outcome= satisfying relationship
f want to best possible outcome
T: describes the value of the outcomes that we’ve come to expect and believe that we deserve in our dealings with others
comparison level
who has high CLs
People who have a history of highly rewarding partnerships are likely to have high CLs, meaning that they expect and feel they deserve very good outcomes now
That makes our CLs the standards by which our … with a relationship is measured.
satisfaction
f the outcomes you receive exceed your CL, you’re happy; you’re getting more than the minimum payoff you expect from interaction with others
if your outcomes fall below your CL, you’re dissatisfied unless your outcomes are still pretty good and you’re doing better than most people
f even if
…. = Satisfaction or Dissatisfaction
Outcomes − CL
CLalts are also the lowest levels of outcome we will tolerate from our present partners why
If other relationships promise better profits than we currently receive, we’re likely to leave our present partners and pursue those bigger rewards. (always want best deal)
our contentment with a relationship is not the major determinant of whether we stay in it or go
t
why would someone stay in a relationship they are unhappy with
no promising alternatives
Thus, our CLalts determine our … on our relationships.
dependence
the greater the gap between our current outcomes and our poorer alternatives, the less dependent we are
f more
If our current outcomes are only a little better than those that await us elsewhere, we don’t need our current partners very much and may leave if our alternatives improve.
When other partners or simple solitude seem attractive, our CLalts …
go up.
T: the things one would lose if the relationship were to end, are also important influences on one’s decision to stay or go
investments
what personal factors influence assessment of CLalt
- a person’s CLalt is what he or she thinks it is, and a variety of factors can influence people’s perceptions of their alternatives e.g. self esteem
- Access to information (exposure to alternatives
how does satisfaction influence CL alt
desirable alternatives will only enhance your CLalt if you are aware of them, and if you’re content with your current partners, you may not pay much attention to people who could be compelling rivals to your existing relationship
satisfied people think they have higher or lower CL alt
lower paying less attention