Rusbult’s investment model

• What is Rusbult's Investment Model an extension of?

  Sociological Exchange Theory (SET)
• What three factors determine commitment in Rusbult's Investment Model?

  Satisfaction level, investment, quality of alternatives
• What is intrinsic investment in a relationship?

  Resources put directly into the relationship
• Give an example of intrinsic investment.

  Time spent together
• What is extrinsic investment in a relationship?

  Resources previously did not feature in the relationship
• Provide an example of extrinsic investment.


  House or children brought into the relationship
• What are the maintenance mechanisms in Rusbult's Investment Model?

  1. Positive illusions
  2. Derogation of alternatives
  3. Forgiveness
  4. Willingness to sacrifice
• What does it mean when partners feel rewards exceed costs?

  They perceive their relationship as beneficial
• How does commitment relate to satisfaction in Rusbult's model?

  Commitment is more important than satisfaction
• What unique aspect does Rusbult's model explain about abusive relationships?

  Commitment can exist without satisfaction
• What did Le and Agnew (2003) study focus on?

  Meta-analysis of relationship commitments
• What were the findings of Le and Agnew's study?

  Satisfaction, alternatives, and investments predict commitment
• What does increased commitment lead to according to Le and Agnew?

  More stable relationships
• What is a limitation of the research by Le and Agnew?

  Most research is correlational
• What did Rusbult and Martz (1995) study focus on?

  Battered women in abusive relationships
• What did Rusbult and Martz find about battered women?

  High investment and low alternatives lead to returning
• What does the finding about battered women suggest about commitment?

  Commitment can outweigh satisfaction
• What criticism did Goodfriend and Agnew (2008) have about Rusbult's model?

  It oversimplifies the concept of relationship investment
• What additional factor did Goodfriend and Agnew emphasize in commitment?

  Importance of future plans
• How does Goodfriend and Agnew's critique affect Rusbult's model?

  It limits the explanation of relationship dynamics
• What is the definition of commitment in Rusbult's Investment Model?

  The intention to maintain a relationship
• How do positive illusions contribute to relationship maintenance?

  They create an unrealistically positive view of a partner
• What is the effect of derogation of alternatives on relationships?

  It makes alternative relationships seem less appealing
• Why is forgiveness important in maintaining relationships?

  It allows partners to move past serious acts
• How does willingness to sacrifice affect relationships?

  It prioritizes the partner's needs over one's own
• What is the relationship between rewards and costs in commitment?

  Higher rewards than costs lead to commitment
• What implications does Rusbult's model have for understanding relationship dynamics?

  It highlights the complexity of commitment factors
• How does gender and sexual orientation affect relationship studies?

  They influence commitment patterns and dynamics
• Why are cultural differences relevant in relationship commitment?

  They shape perceptions of commitment and investment
• What potential future research directions arise from Rusbult's model?

  Exploring additional factors influencing commitment