key features

• Rusbult’s Investment Model (RIM) is based on two of the principles of Social Exchange Theory (SET):

  • satisfaction
  • comparison levels with alternatives
• Satisfaction with the relationship based on the Comparison Level (CL) i.e. few costs, more rewards, in short: profit guaranteed
• Comparison Level with alternatives (CLalt) which involves one of the partners wondering whether the ‘grass is greener on the other side’ i.e. should they pursue a new relationship with someone else or stay in the current relationship
• Investment size (not a feature of SET) feature of Investment model
• When all three of the above criteria are addressed, then commitment to the relationship will follow according to RIM (2011)
• RIM - like Social Exchange Theory and Equity Theory - is an economic theory of relationships but  it attempts to refine and expand on some aspects of SET