Rusbult's investment model of commitment

• Rustbult argues

  -that it is the level of commitment that influences whether people stay/leave relationships.

  -Commitment is a product of:

  • the level of satisfaction
  • quality of alternatives
  • amount you have invested into the relationship

  -Highest level of satisfaction is when there is poor quality of alternatives, high investment size and high level of satisfaction in the relationship.
• Level of satisfaction

  -Builds on SET

  -High levels of satisfaction when level of costs are lower than the rewards.
• Quality of alternatives

  -Is an assessment of whether alternatives or being single can produce more rewards than staying with current partner.

  -If alternatives are better then individual is going to be dissatisfied in the relationship. so more likely to leave relationship.
• Investment size

  -Refers to tangible things like house and mortgage and intangible things like time and support.

  -Intrinsic: something you have put into the relationship like time, money and effort.

  -Extrinsic: things that come put of the relationship which are investments like children and memories.
• Level of commitment

  -High commitment level you will stay in relationship.

  -Low commitment level you will leave relationship.