PSYC 362: Interdependence Theory & The Investment Model

Overview

• Module Title: Interdependence Theory & The Investment Model

• Instructor: Dr. Yuthika Girme

• AHA Code: T9UDX

Learning Objectives

1. Core Features of Interdependence Theory

   • Outcomes: The net result of positive versus negative experiences in a relationship.

   • Rewards: Positive aspects of a relationship, such as affection or support.

   • Costs: Negative aspects of a relationship, such as conflict or neglect.

   • Comparison Level (CL): A personal standard representing what individuals feel they deserve from a relationship. Satisfaction occurs when outcomes exceed this level.

   • Comparison Level of Alternatives (CLALT): The perceived quality of the best alternative to the current relationship, influencing dependence and commitment.

   • Satisfaction: Determined by the difference between outcomes and CL; high satisfaction means outcomes are greater than CL.

   • Dependence: The extent to which an individual feels tied to a partner, based on outcomes and CLALT.

2. Key Elements Predicting Relationship Commitment

   • Satisfaction, perceived alternatives, and investments define commitment levels.

3. Roles of Commitment

   • Commitment serves to protect and sustain relationships, leading individuals to engage in pro-relationship behaviors.

Assigned Resources

• Readings:

  • Lehmiller, J. J., & Agnew, C. R. (2006). "Marginalized relationships…" in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

  • Baker, L. R., McNulty, J. K., & VanderDrift, L. E. (2017). "Expectations for future relationship satisfaction…" in Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

• Podcast: "Merlot with My Beau: Interdependence Theory and The Investment Model" - Available on Spotify.

Theoretical Framework

• Social Exchange Theory: Integrates economic logic with behaviorism, emphasizing a marriage between economics and human behavior.

  • Origins: Emerged in the 1950s to describe social relationships based on an exchange process, aiming to maximize rewards and minimize costs.

Interdependence Theory

• Definition: "The defining feature of any relationship is interdependence, the extent to which the behaviors of each partner affect the outcomes of the other" (Bradbury & Karney, p. 105).

• Application: Social exchange theory as applied to intimate relationships (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959).

  • Rewards and Costs:

  • Rewards: Include both tangible (e.g., making dinner, financial assistance) and intangible (e.g., feeling loved, dependability).

  • Costs: Negatively perceived experiences affecting satisfaction. Costs are considered roughly five times more influential than rewards.

  • Influence Ratio: 5:1 (cost to reward ratio).

Practical Example

• Situation Analysis:

  • If a partner requires daily transportation to school, one partner views this as a cost while the other might view it as a material reward (interpreting dependently).

Calculating Relationship Outcomes

• Formula: Outcome = Rewards - Costs

  • Relationships involve mental calculations regarding outcomes.

Understanding Relationship Satisfaction

• Comparison Level (CL):

  • A personal metric where satisfaction is influenced by outcomes exceeding CL leading to satisfaction and vice versa.

  • Individuals may be satisfied in a costly relationship or dissatisfied in a rewarding one.

• Personal Variability:

  • High CL leads individuals to expect higher rewards. Low CL allows for greater tolerance of lower rewards.

Sources Influencing Comparison Levels

• Previous experiences, observational learning (media or personal), and personality factors.

Dependence Dynamics

• Dependence Definition: Refers to the feelings that dictate how free an individual feels to leave the relationship, influenced by outcomes compared with CLALT.

• Dependence = Outcomes - CLALT

• Individuals weigh the costs of staying vs. leaving; a strong dependence can lead some to remain in unfavorable conditions.

Revisiting the Equations

• Recap of Key Equations:

  • Outcome = Rewards - Costs

  • Satisfaction = Outcomes – CL

  • Dependence = Outcomes – CLALT

• Implications of outcomes on satisfaction and dependence determine relationship stability.

Commitment in Relationships

• The Investment Model (Rusbult, 1980, 1983):

  • Relationship satisfaction, perceived alternatives, and investment contributes to commitment.

  • Investment enhances stability in relationships, creating a safe environment conducive to pro-relationship acts.

• Research Findings:

  • Meta-analysis by Le & Agnew (2003) suggests high correlation (r = .68) between satisfaction and commitment, also noting the influence of alternatives (r = -.48).

Why Commitment Matters

• Committed individuals engage positively with their partners, which includes, derogating alternative partners and responding constructively to stressors. Committed partners display forgiveness and are willing to make sacrifices.

  • Research by Wieselquist et al. (1999): Studied couples over time (N1 = 53, N2 = 65) to assess pro-relationship acts correlated with overall commitment.

Conclusion

• A deep understanding of Interdependence Theory and the Investment Model provides vital insights into predicting relationship dynamics, particularly around satisfaction and commitment. Further research is warranted to explore various factors affecting relationship health, emphasizing how underlying theories can aid in relationship counseling and personal development.