Chapter 6 - Interdependency

What is Interdependence?

Interdependence exists when individuals rely on one another to obtain valuable interpersonal rewards

What is the economic view in relationship science?

• Which is when the person analyzes and tallies the “profits and losses” of our dealings with others 

What are the components of the economic view?

• Reward

  • They tend to look at the reward, wanting what's desirable and welcoming experiences that bring enjoyment 

    • This can be both impersonal (from a stranger) and personal (from a lover) 

• Cost

  • Another factor is cost, seeing if an experience is punishing or undesirable 

    • These include financial expenditures, physical injury, or psychological burdens ‘

• Outcome

  • Finally, there is the outcome, looking at the net profit or loss of an interaction

What is Comparison Level (CL)?

• The value of outcomes we expect and believe we deserve based on past experiences 

• Satisfaction Formula 

• Outcome - Comparison Level = Satisfaction or Dissatisfaction 

What is Comparison Level for Alternative (CLalt)?

• The outcome is available by moving to the best alternative situation, including being alone 

  1. This determines dependence on a relationship 

• Dependence Formula 

  1. Outcome - CLalt = Dependence or independence 

• Things one would lose if the relationship ended (High investment, lower CLalt) 

What are the types of relationships?

• Happy and Stable = outcomes exceed both CL and CLalt 

  • You're in a healthy relationship where your partner is supportive, funny, and trustworthy. You feel loved, and you don't think leaving would improve your life

• Unhappy but stable = outcomes fall below CL (what you expected), but remain above CLalt (what’s the reality) 

  • You aren't getting what you want, but your alternatives are even worse.

• Happy but Unstable = Outcome is above CL (what you deserve) but below CLalt 

  • Your relationship is good, but you believe something even better is available

• Unhappy and Unstable = Outcomes are below both CL and CLalt 

  • You're unhappy and you know you have better options

What was Gottman and Leverson Findings

• Research by Gottman and Levenson indicates that for relationships to be stable, the ratio of positive to negative exchanges must be at least 5-to-1 

  • Bad experiences carry more psychological weight than good ones 

What is Approach vs Avoidance Motivation?

• Approach Motivation = seeking reward to feel enthusiasm and excitement 

• Avoidance Motivation = seeking to elude punishment, pain, or pouting 

• Flourishing vs Boring = a relationship with many rewards and few costs is flourishing, while one with few costs but low rewards is boring 

What is the impact of time?

• Over time, people get used to good outcomes, causing their expectations (CL) to rise and their satisfaction to wane 

  • New partners hit a low in satisfaction as they adjust to increasing interdependence and interference with their old routines 

• Satisfaction usually declines sharply after the birth of a child due to the increased responsibilities

Communal vs Exchange Relationships 

• Exchange = tit for tat 

• Communal = what’s mine is yours 

What is the Equity Theory

• It suggest people are most satisfied when the ratio of outcomes to contribution is similar for both partners 

  • Underbenfited 

    • Receiving less than one deserves; leads to anger and resentment 

  • Overbenefited 

    • Receiving more than one deserve; can lead to guilt

Maximizer vs Satisficers

• Maximizers = People who want “the best” and constantly evaluate alternatives 

• Satisficers = People who look for “good enough” options and stops searching 

What is Commitment?

• Commitment is the desire for a relationship to continue and the willingness to maintain it

What is the Investment Model?

• Commitment is determined by Satisfaction level (+), Quality of alternatives (-), and Investment size (+)

What are the types of Commitment?

1. Personal Commitment: You want to stay because the partner is attractive and the relationship is satisfying.

2. Constraint Commitment: You feel you have to stay because leaving is too costly.

3. Moral Commitment: You feel you ought to stay due to a sense of obligation or vows.