Rusbult's Investment Model (Theories of romantic relationships)

Why was the investment model put forward?

As a development of Social Exchange Theory.

Do many couples stay together despite the costs outweighing the rewards?

Yes. So there must be some other factors that keep them together.

What are the three major factors that maintain commitment in relationships?

Satisfaction level, comparison with alternatives and investment size.

What is satisfaction level?

People will have a high level of satisfaction with relationships if they have more rewards (companionship, attention, emotional support) and fewer costs (arguments, time)

Extent of feelings of rewards exceeding the costs. Profitable - Rewards>costs

What is comparison with alternatives?

Also tend to be committed to relationships if, when asking themselves, ‘is there a better alternative to satisfy my needs?’ the answer is ‘no’. Alternatives can include staying on their own and not engaging in romantic relationships at all, as well as finding a new partner.

CLalt & CL - not enough to experience commitment - more relationships end as soon as costs outweigh rewards or alternative presents.

What is Investment?

Argued to be most important by Rusbult

Investment refers to the number of resources, both tangible, like money or possessions, and intangible, like happy memories, that people will lose if they leave relationships.

The model proposes two types of investment intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic investment comrpomises the things we put directly into the relationship, such as effort, money, possessions, self-disclosure. Extrinsic investment refers to the things that are brought to people’s life through the relationships, such as children, friends and shared memories.

What did Rusbult et al. conclude due to both intrinsic and extrinsic investments being lost if relationships end?

That the bigger the investment, the more likely people are to stay in relationships.

What influences commitment to relationships?

Investment size, rather than just the level of satisfaction or existence of potential alternatives.

What are the maintenance mechanisms that partners use to keep relationships going?

Accommodation, Willingness to sacrifice, forgiveness, positive illusions, ridiculing alternatives

What is accommodation?

Acting in a way that promotes relationships, rather than keeping a tally of costs and rewards.

What is willingness to sacrifice?

Putting partner’s interests first

What is forgiveness?

Willingness to forgive partner’s mistakes, both minor and serious ones

What is positive illusions?

being unrealistically positive about partner’s qualities.

What is ridiculing alternatives?

minimising the advantages of potential alternatives and viewing them in a negative light.