6)theories of romantic relationships: Rusbult’s investment model

What were the three factors Rusbult (1980) suggested as a way of explaining relationship stability?

Satisfaction, investment size, comparison with alternatives

What does satisfaction level refer to?

Rewards and costs experienced within a relationship. It is influenced by the extent to which the other person fulfils the individuals need eg dimentica needs, compassionate

What is comparison with alternatives (rusbult model)

The extend to which an individual needs might be better fulfilled outside the relationship. The perception of an attractive alternative may cause the individual to turn away from the current relationship

What does investment size refer too (rusbult model)

The resources attached to the relationship that would diminish if the relationship were to end. Partners make investment expecting that it will create a strong foundation for a lasting future together. It increase dependence on the relationship and creates a psychological inducement to persist with a relationship

What’s commitment level affording to Rusbult model

The likehood that a relationship will persist. Commitment is high in romantic partners who are happy with their relationships. If the relationship were to end they would anticipate very little gain and heavy losses

What are everyday maintenance behaviours?

Accommodation, sacrifice, forgiveness, positive illusions, ridiculing alternatives

What did Rusbult et al (2011) argue?

That the main psychological factor causing people to stay in relationships was not satisfaction but commitment. This is an important distinction from earlier theories because it can help explain why dissatisfied partners chose to stay in relationships- they do not want to see their investment go to waste so they work hard to maintain and repair damaged relationship

Why may rusbult model be better than SET or equity theory?

It can explain a wider range of relationships such as abusive relationship

Outline the findings of Rusbult and Martz (1995) study

They studied women at domestic violence centre. They found that those most likely to return reported making the greatest investments and having the fewest attractive alternatives

What research is there to support importance of the three factors of Rusbult model and findings?

Le and Agnew (2003) conducted a meta analysis of 52 studies and found a coefficient to commitment for each factor. 0.68 for satisfaction, -0.48 for QOA and 0.46 for investment siE

Why is there methodological difficulties for studies researching Rusbult model?

Rewards and cost are difficult to quantify and they can be subjective. They have often been defined superficially in order to measure them. This can make it difficult to accurately quantify level of satisfaction or investment. (However because we are investigating personal detail ie needs to be subjective and relevant to the individual)

What did Goodfriend et al (2008) suggest?

That the rusbult model oversimplies investment. Investment is not just the resources you have already put into the relationship. It also includes investment made for future plants