Theory Of Romanctic Relatiships : Socual Exchange Theory Flashcards
(9 cards)
Researchers proposed an economics theory of relationships
Maximising rewards and minimising costs means more profit leading to relatiships satisfaction
Costs and rewards are subjective e.g companionships may be rewarding fro some not for others
Overall a relatiships where rewards exceed costs is mutually beneficial and will be maintained
2 types of comparisons where we measure profits of our relatiships
Comparisons levels
Comparison levels of alternatives
Comparison levels
Develops from past relatiships use this to compare with our current relationships rewards
Comparison levels alternatives
Compare rewards and costs in out current relationship to potential ones
When is relationship satisfaction maintained
If rewards exceed costs and profit level is not exceeded by alternative relatiships
Relatiships mutually beneficial will succeed
RTS social exchange theory by Kurdeck
Asked gay , lesbian and heterosexual couples to complete a questionare
Measuring relationships commitments and rewards and costs of relationships
Partners who were the most committed perceived more rewards and fewer costs
Supports SET suggests experiencing relationship profit is important
Increasing validity of SET as theory of romantic relationship
Correlational research into SET
Cause and effect between lack of profit and dissatisfaction in relationships cannot be established
E.g research has found couples do not moiniter costs and rewards until after they become dissatisfied
Limiting validity of SET as theory of romantic relatiships
Limitation of SET definition of rewards in relationships are subjective
SET states rewards and costs involve time and money which are considered superficial
However some couple may regard loyalist as bieng a reward which vary from couple to couple
It’s unclear what CL and CLalt must be before dissatisfaction threatens the relatiships
Reducing validity of SET as theory if romantic relatiships
