Maintenance and breakdown

• Social exchange theory:

  want more out of relationship than put in
• comparison level- bare minimum expectations in a relationship
• Cost- benefit ratio - how much you put in minus what you get out. CBR below Comparison level = dissatisfied
• Stages of social exchange theory- sampling bargaining, negatioation, commitment and institutionalisation
• Hartfield challenges

  newlyweds in study preferred equality
• Kurdek supports

  all sexualities, couples more committed had a better cost benefit ratio
• AO3 - culture bias

  individualist culture attitude of selfishness
• Equity theory

  get out of relationship as much as put in.
• Equity theory - Van Yperen and Buunk - couples married. 25% over benefitted 25& under benefitted. 65% equitable. 1 yr later equity happiest, then over, then under.

  eco validity and real world app

  BUT

  culture Bias
• Investment model

  model which decides wether to stay or leave a relationship
• three parts of investment model which lead to commitment level

  satisfaction: is it profitable?


  Alternatives: other options

  Investments: intrinsic or extrinsic
• Intrinsic investment is linked to self- disclosure- time personal info etc.

  Extrinsic is things like a shared pet a friend group that may be lost.
• Maintenance mechanisms:

  Accommodation, willingness to sacrifice, forgiveness, positive illusions, ridiculing alternative
• Ducks Model of relationship breakdown:

  Intra psychic

  Dyadic

  Social process

  grave dressing
• Intrapsychic

  Think about breaking up withdraw socially

  "I cant stand this anymore"
• Dyadic

  confronts relationship problems

  involve friends

  "I would be justified in withdrawing"
• Social process

  aware relationship is in trouble

  "I mean it"
• Grave dressing

  reflect on relationship

  "Its now inevitable"
• ressurection process added later