Relationships - theories of romantic relationships

Question 1

What are the 4 theories of romantic relationships

Answer 1

1. Social exchange theory
2. Equity theory
3. Rusbult’s investment model of commitment
4. Ducks phase model of relationship breakdown

Question 2

What is social exchange theory (general, measures of profit, stages of development)

Answer 2

Thibault + Kelly, relationships involve exchange of resources, and are based on perceived benefits and costs

Outcome is assessed by cost benefit analysis (benefits - costs), based on comparison level (to previous experiences) and comparison of alternatives (other potential relationships)

Concerns 4 stages of which relationships develop:
1. Sampling stage - CL, CLalt are considered
2. Bargaining stage - Rewards and costs are identified and exchanged
3. Commitment stage - Relationship is maintained by predictable exchange
4. Institutionalisation stage - Interactions become predictable and the couple “settles down”

Question 3

What are evaluation points for SET

Answer 3

• cultural bias: costs may be different in other cultures
• fails to account for individual differences (more costs preferred)
  + prac aps: couples therapy

Question 4

What is equity theory

Answer 4

Walster, refined SET as equity theory based around fairness, and states dissatisfaction occurs when partners feel over/underbenefitting

Associated with 4 principles of equity:
1. Profit (rewards - costs)
2. Distribution of resources (negotiations)
3. Dissatisfaction caused by unfairness
4. Realignment of equity

Question 5

What are evaluation points for equity theory

Answer 5

• cause and effect: dissatisfaction may cause inequity
• individual differences: some believe they deserve/contribute more
  + prac aps: couples therapy

Question 6

What is Rusbult’s investment model of commitment (general, model, maintenance behaviour)

Answer 6

States the more you invest, the more likely you are to commit, as well as SET factors

Model consists of 5 components:
1,2,3. Satisfaction level - degree to which partners meet each others needs

Comparison with alternatives - if relationship stands up to alternatives

Investment size - most important, intrinsic or extrinsic resources in r’ship

4. Commitment level
5. Stay/leave decisions

Suggests that commitment is also displayed in maintenance behaviour:
Accomodation, willingness to sacrifice, forgiveness, positive illusions, ridiculing alternatives

Question 7

What are evaluation points for Rusbult’s investment model of commitment

Answer 7

+ prac aps: more to commitment than just satisfaction
+ generalisable across cultures
- reductionist
- incomplete: divorces still occur

Question 8

What is Ducks model of relationship breakdown (types, model)

Answer 8

3 reasons for breakdown:
1. Pre existing doom - set to end from the start (incompatible)
2. Mechanical failure - compatible partners grow apart
3. Sudden death - event ends r’ship, e.g cheating

5 minor reasons which contribute to breakdown:
1. Predisposing personal factors
2. Precipitating factors
3. Lack of skills
4. Lack of motivation
5. Lack of maintenance

Stage model consists of 4 phases that begin when one partner becomes dissatisfied:

1. Intrapsychic - one partner privately begins to feel dissatisfaction
2. Dyadic - Dissatisfaction is discussed, if nothing changes, goes onto next stage
3. Social - Breakdown is made public and negotiations may occur (children, resources)
4. Grave dressing - Rebuilding of life towards new relationships

May contain resurrection phase which is the reconfiguring of oneself for future relationships

Question 9

What are evaluation points for Ducks model or relationship breakdown

Answer 9

+ prac aps: stages can be identified and improved
- incomplete: only starts when dissatisfaction occurs
- socially sensitive: may upset couple involved