PS373 - interdependence & commitment

Social exchange theory

Relationships as cost-benefit analyses where individuals try to maximize rewards and minimize costs

In social exchange theory, satisfaction is determined by…

Discrepancies; what do I have, compared to what i can get

Social exchange theory

Relationships as cost-benefit analyses where individuals try to maximize rewards and minimize costs

In social exchange theory, satisfaction is determined by…

Discrepancies; what do I have, compared to what i can get

Norm of reciprocity

To receive we must also give

Major propositions of SET

1. Partners keep track of costs and rewards, immediate and over time

2. Attracted to partners who provide most rewards

3. Norm of reciprocity

Types of Rewards & Costs

1. Instrumental (tangible/task-oriented)

2. Emotional (feeling loved)

Rewards may include

Love, laughter, companionship, respect…

Costs may include…

Time, loss of opportunity, conflict, stress, loss of esteem…

How do people evaluate outcomes?

1. Accounting (keeping track of rewards & costs)

2. Determining profit

Utne et al (1984) - Equity Study

• studied married couples and measured perceived equity in relationships & consequental satisfaction

• Results: couples who felt their relationship was equitable reported higher satisfaction

Interdependence theory

A social exchange theory that states that interpersonal relationships are defined through interpersonal interdependence

Relationships are not just about total profit; we need to compare two critera…

• comparison level (CL)

• Comparison level for alternatives (CLALT)

Comparison Level (CL)

What we expect and feel we deserve from our relationships; CLs are based on prior experience, learning and personality

High CL

• expect relationships to be rewarding

• Low rewards are unacceptable and disappointing

Low CL

• expect relationships to be troublesome

• Low rewards are acceptable and tolerable

Comparison level equation

Satisfaction = outcome - CL

Comparison level for alternatives (CLALT)

What we realistically expect we could get in another relationship or situation; standard against which we decide to stay or leave

Comparison level for alternatives equation

Dependence = outcome -CLalt

What determines CLalt?

1. Self-views

2. Information about alternatives

Self-views and CLalt

Low self-esteem = doubt that others will find them desirable, lower CLalt

High self-esteem = more confident in others views of them, higher CLalt

Major social exchange theory equations

Outcomes = rewards - costs

Satisfaction = outcomes -CL

Dependence = outcomes - CLalt

Commitment

An internal pledge; tendency to maintain a relationship and feel psychologically attached to it

Investment model of commitment

Theory that explains why people stay commited based on three factors (satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and extent of personal investments made)

Three factors of commitment

1. Satisfaction (rewards, costs, CLs)

2. Alternatives (CLalts)

3. Investments (what you would lose if the relationship were to end)

Commitment is related to….

• derogation of alternatives

• Willingness to sacrifice

• Accommodative behaviour

• Cognitive interdependence

• Positive illusions

• Fidelity

Johnson & Rusbult (1989) - Commitment in Relationships

• studied romantic partners to assess what factors predict relationship commitment (satisfaction, investment, alernatives)

• Results: high satisfaction and commitment lead to better commitment, better quality of alternatives leads to lower commitment

The grass is always greener but…

Happy, committed gardeners may not even notice!

Drigotas, Safstrom, and Gentilia (1999) - Commitment & Fidelity (Spring Break)

• Before spring break, participants reported commitment levels in relationship

• Tracked actual behaviours related to infidelity, afterward reported their behaviour

• Results: higher commitment equals lower infidelity, greater alternatives leads to unfaithful behaviour (emotional/physical cheating)

Derogation of alternatives

Committed individuals percieved attractive alternatives as less appealing, protecting their relationships

Four types of relationships in interdependence theory

1. Happy, stable

2. Unhappy, stable

3. Happy, unstable

4. Unhappy, unstable

Approach motivation

The drive to move toward positive stimuli, or to energize behaviour in a positive direction

Avoidance motivation

Tendency to move away from negative stimuli or experiences

Self-expansion model

We are attracted to partnerships that expand the range of our interests, skills, and experiences

Relational turbulence

Explains how relationship transitions can lead to turmoil and conflict; going from casual to serious

Exchange relationships

People do favours for others expecting to be repaid by receiving comparable benefits in return

Communal relationships

Partners feel a special concern for the other’s well-being, and they provide favours and support to one another without expecting repayment

Three types of commitment

1. Personal = when people want to continue a relationships based on attraction and satisfaction

2. Constraint = continue because it would be too costly to leave

3. Moral = sense of obligation to the relationship