Theory: Rusbult’s Investment model

    Cards (15)

    • What does Rusbult’s Investment model suggest about romantic relationships?
      It suggests that there is more to relationships than just minimizing losses and maximizing rewards.
    • How does the Investment model relate to the Social Exchange Theory (SET)?
      The Investment model is a development of SET, addressing its limitations by including satisfaction and comparison with alternatives.
    • What are the three factors that Rusbult believed influence commitment in a relationship?
      Comparison with alternatives, Satisfaction, and Investment.
    • What does satisfaction refer to in the context of Rusbult’s Investment model?
      Satisfaction refers to the extent to which partners feel the rewards of a relationship exceed the costs.
    • How is a satisfying relationship judged according to the Investment model?
      A satisfying relationship is judged by comparing the rewards and costs, being seen as profitable if it has many rewards and few costs.
    • What is the concept of Comparison Levels in the Investment model?
      Comparison Levels are based on previous experiences and social norms, determining what partners expect from a relationship.
    • What does the term 'Comparison with alternatives' mean in the Investment model?
      It means that individuals stay in their current relationship only if they believe it is more rewarding than alternatives.
    • How can dissatisfaction in a relationship affect the consideration of alternatives?
      Dissatisfaction may lead individuals to consider alternatives, but sometimes being single is seen as a more attractive option than an unsatisfactory relationship.
    • What are intrinsic investments according to Rusbult’s model?
      Intrinsic investments are resources put directly into the relationship, including tangible and intangible resources.
    • What are extrinsic investments in the context of the Investment model?
      Extrinsic investments are resources that previously did not feature in the relationship but are now closely associated with it.
    • What did Rusbult's research in 1983 reveal about commitment in relationships?
      It showed that when partners were committed, alternatives were lower than satisfaction and investment, and vice versa when partners broke up.
    • What does the research by Rusbult & Martz (1995) indicate about abusive relationships?

      It indicates that victims of domestic abuse may return to their partners due to high investments and low attractive alternatives, regardless of satisfaction.
    • What did Le & Agnew (2003) find in their review of studies regarding the Investment model?

      They found that satisfaction, comparison with alternatives, and investment predicted commitment across various relationships.
    • What is a limitation of the research supporting the Investment model?
      A limitation is that the findings are correlational, making it difficult to establish cause and effect regarding commitment factors.
    • Why does the correlational nature of the research decrease the validity of the Investment model?
      It decreases validity because it is unclear whether the identified factors cause commitment or are merely associated with it.
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