AO1

• Rusbult et al (2011)

  stated that commitment depended on 3 factors

  the investment model is an extension on SET
• factor 1

  satisfaction
• what does satisfaction involve?

  based on comparison levels

  looking at rewards and costs and what's profitable

  based on previous experience and social norms
• 2nd factor

  comparison with altenatives
• what does comparison with alternatives involve

  evaluating our current relationship and deciding if we could be profiting off being with an alternative option
• 3rd factor

  investment size
• extrinsic investments


  resources developed over time as a result of being in the relationship

  For example: possessions, social networks, memories
• intrinsic investment


  resources put into the relationship directly

  For example: money (tangible), emotion (intangible), time
• all factors will lead to?

  commitment
• commitment leads to?

  Relationship maintenance mechanisms
• accomodation

  (RMM)

  promoting relationship rather than keeping a tally of costs and rewards
• Willingness to sacrifice

  (RMM)

  putting your partner first
• Forgiveness

  (RMM)

  willingness to forgive partner's mistakes - can be both minor and serious
• positive illusions

  (RMM)

  being unrealistically positive and partner's qualities
• ridiculing alternatives

  (RMM)

  minimising the advantages of potential alternatives and viewing them in a negative way
• commitment vs satisfaction

  commitment means a person has high investment so would be more likely to stay in a relationship even when unsatisfied
• what are the relationship maintenance mechanisms?

  accomodation

  willingness to sacrifice

  forgiveness

  positive illusions

  ridiculing alternatives