Theories of Romantic Relationships
INVESTMENT MODEL
AO1
Development The Investment Model was put forward by Rusbult et al. (2001), as a
of SET development of SET. Rusbult's investment argues that the best predictor
of whether or not a couple will stay together is commitment, which is
made up of three factors.
Rusbult: Commitment is determined by satisfaction + CLalt + Investments. High
satisfaction levels (more rewards, fewer costs) + Alternatives are less
attractive + size of investment is increasing = committed partner.
1. Satisfaction Level with the relationship: a feeling that the
relationship provides rewards that are unique (rewards outweigh
costs).
2. Comparison to alternatives: A belief the relationship offers better
rewards compared to alternatives on offer (CLalt)
3. Investment size: Substantial investments in the relationship -
networks of mutual friends, shared property, emotional investment.
These factors act as a barrier to dissolution. The model proposes two
types of investment: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic investment comprises
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.
Extra A01: In addition to the factors influencing partners’ commitment, Rusbult et al.
Maintenance also identified maintenance mechanisms partners use to keep
mechanisms relationships going. These mechanisms are:
- Accommodation – acting in a way that promotes relationships,
rather than keeping a tally of costs and rewards.
- Willingness to sacrifice – putting partner's interests first.
- Forgiveness – willingness to forgive partner's mistakes, both minor
and serious ones.
- Positive illusions – being unrealistically positive about partner's
qualities.
- Ridiculing alternatives – minimising the advantages of potential
alternatives and viewing them in a negative light.
INVESTMENT MODEL
AO1
Development The Investment Model was put forward by Rusbult et al. (2001), as a
of SET development of SET. Rusbult's investment argues that the best predictor
of whether or not a couple will stay together is commitment, which is
made up of three factors.
Rusbult: Commitment is determined by satisfaction + CLalt + Investments. High
satisfaction levels (more rewards, fewer costs) + Alternatives are less
attractive + size of investment is increasing = committed partner.
1. Satisfaction Level with the relationship: a feeling that the
relationship provides rewards that are unique (rewards outweigh
costs).
2. Comparison to alternatives: A belief the relationship offers better
rewards compared to alternatives on offer (CLalt)
3. Investment size: Substantial investments in the relationship -
networks of mutual friends, shared property, emotional investment.
These factors act as a barrier to dissolution. The model proposes two
types of investment: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic investment comprises
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.
Extra A01: In addition to the factors influencing partners’ commitment, Rusbult et al.
Maintenance also identified maintenance mechanisms partners use to keep
mechanisms relationships going. These mechanisms are:
- Accommodation – acting in a way that promotes relationships,
rather than keeping a tally of costs and rewards.
- Willingness to sacrifice – putting partner's interests first.
- Forgiveness – willingness to forgive partner's mistakes, both minor
and serious ones.
- Positive illusions – being unrealistically positive about partner's
qualities.
- Ridiculing alternatives – minimising the advantages of potential
alternatives and viewing them in a negative light.
