Theories Of Romantic Relationships Investment Model Flashcards
This model of relationships was decided to address the weakness of SET
The investment model (Rusbult) emphasises the importance of commitment in relationships
Satisfaction
The extent to which romantic partners feel the rewards of the relationship (eg companionship etc) exceed the costs
Alternatives
Judgment that partners make about whether an alternative relationship would provide more rewards/be better than the current one.
If alternatives are not present or no better, an individual may stay in a relationship because of a lack of better options
Investments
All the resources associated with a relationship which the partners would lose if the relationship ended
Eg mutual friends
Investments increase dependence on the relationship because they increase connections with the partner that would be costly to break
Commitment level
The intention or desire to continue with the relationship.
Product of high levels of satisfaction, high levels of investment and quality of alternatives being low.
This would result in the relationship continuing
Supporting evidence from Le and Agnew
Meta analysis of 52 studies from 5 countries
Across all studies: satisfaction level, quality of alternative and investment size highly correlated with relationship commitment.
Relationships in which commitment was greatest were the most stable and lasted longest.
Valid explanation as it shows above variable are linked to commitment and stability
Model is able to explain why individuals may stay in a relationship with an abusive partner
Victims of abuse experience low satisfaction yet many stay
Because quality of alternatives are low as well as high level of investments
Demonstrates validity of model in terms of real life investments
Methodological issues with supporting evidence
Le and Agnew’s research correlational
Lack of manipulation of variables (level of investment and longevity of relationships) difficult to establish cause and effect
Question the importance of the theory due to issues of validity
Oversimplifies investment
More to investment than just resources you have already put into a relationship
Eg early stages very few investments made
Goodfriend and Agnew suggest that investment should also include any plans that partners have made regarding the relationship and that this also influences commitment
Original model limited as it fails to recognise the true complexity of investment
