rusbult investment model
This is a model that explains why there’s commitment in relationships. It’s based off of the social exchange theory
what is Rusbult’s investment model
this is a factor is based on the comparison level. A relationship of this type is judged by comparing different things
what is factor 1:satisfaction
This results in romantic partners asking themselves, ' Could my needs be better met outside my current relationship?'
What is comparison by alternatives
This was added as Rusburt realised relationships would end as soon as costs outweighed rewards or a more attractive alternative presented itself. Therefore, this third factor influences commitment
what is the need for investment
Le and Agnew reviewed 52 studies, including 11000 participants from 5 countries. They found that the 3 factors all predicted commitment. Relationships where this was highest lasted the longest. This was true for males, males and hetero/homosexual
what is support by meta analysis
this suggests there is validity to Rusbult’s claim that these factors are universally important
This refers to a romantic partners intention or desire to continue a relationship, reflecting a belief that the relationship has a viable long term future
what is commitment
this is when a relationship is judged by comparing costs and rewards, as high rewards and low costs mean each partner is satisfied
What is the comparison level
these include relationships with other people, plutonic and romantic
what are the alternatives
This includes intrinsic investments and extrinsic investments
What are the two types of investment
however most studies in this meta analysis were correlational, which cannot conclude if the factors caused commitment. Such as that it could be the more commitment you feel, the more you invest.
What is weakness/counterpoint due to reliance on correlations
Therefore it’s not clear that the model has identified the causes of commitment, rather associated factors
This refers to the extent in which a romantic partner believes the awards exceed the costs in a relationship
what is satisfaction
These include support and companionship. they are positive consequences of a relationship
What are rewards
these are ways a couple promotes the relationship. It can include willingness to sacrifice and forgiveness. There's also a cognitive element.
what are relationship maintenance mechanisms
These are resources that previously did not feature in a relationship but are now associated with it. such as possessions brought together, mutual friends and children
What are extrinsic investments
Rusbult and Martz studied domestically abused women at a shelter, they found the ones most likly to go back to their partner had put in the greatest investment with the least attractive alternatives. These women were dissatisfied with their relationships but still committed
what is a strength due to explanation of abusive relationships
the model highlights that Satisfaction on its own cannot Explain why people stay in relationships, emphasising the importance of CLalt, investment and commitment
This refers to the resources associated with a relationship that a partner may lose of the relationship were to end
what is investment
These include conflicts and anxiety. They are negative consequences that come with a relationship
What are costs
This causes people to put their partners' interests first
what is willingness to sacrafice
these are any resources that we put directly into a relationship. such as money/possessions (tangibles) and energy/self disclosures (intangibles)
what are intrinsic investments
Good friend and Agnew pointed out that there is more to investment than just the resources you put in as in the early stages there is very little investment. Therefore they extended investment to future plans, which increases commitment as partners are motivated to see their future plans come to life
what is a limitation due to the simplistic one dimensional format of investment
This means that the original model is limited because it fails to recognise the true complexity Of investment, especially how future planning influences commitment
These are satisfaction, comparison with alternatives and investment
what are the three factors of commitment level
This is the main psychological factor that people stay in a relationship with satisfaction as a contributory factor, explaining why dissatisfied couples stay in a relationship. as they have Brung time and work to the relationship and dont want it to go to waste
What is commitment
This includes partners thinking about each other in unrealistically positive ways (positive illusions) and thinking negatively about tempting alternatives/others' relationships (ridiculing alternatives)
what is the cognitive element to a relationship
This is when there’s high levels of satisfaction, alternatives are less attractive and sizes of investments are increasing
what is the reason for long term commitment
Although Some psychologists point out that most evidence for the Investment Model comes from interviews and questionnaires, which are known to be subjective and unreliable. Other researchers argue that, because satisfaction, investment and commitment are subjective values and depend on people's perception, using self-report techniques is an appropriate way to test the Investment Model.
A strength due to method of data collection
Therefore, data obtained through self-report techniques may provide a more realistic picture of reasons for relationship satisfaction and how it is related to investment and commitment, therefore making Investment Model more valid.