Relationships

    Cards (13)

    • The equity theory is where one partners benefits and cots roughly equal the other partners; give a littler and receive a little or give a lot and receive a lot
    • according to the equity theory, if equity is achieved then a couple are less likely to have extra marital affairs; correlation between equity and satisfaction
    • according to the equity theory, at the start of a relationship equity and fairness is the most important but in long term relationships there is less focus on it day to day
    • How to resolve inequity?
      1. ACTUAL; try to set things right or urge our partner to do so
      2. PSYCHOLOGICAL; convinced themselves its fine when its not
      3. LEAVE; separate or detach psychologically
    • research support of the equity theory?
      UTNE (1984)
      — surveyed 188 married coupled and measured equity with 2 self report scales
      — couples who considered relationships to be equitable were more satisfied that those who considered relationships to be over or under equitable
      — shows equity is important for stability
      however the study is correlation and correlation does not always equal causation and self report techniques can induce social desirability bias
    • one limitation of the equity theory?
      individual differences (Huseman et al)
      identified different categories of individuals
      • benevolents; givers - more tolerant of lack of rewards
      • equity sensitives; behave as theory predicts
      • entitled; prefer to be over rewarded - experience dissatisfaction if equitable or under benefitted
    • identify one limitation of the equity theory?
      economic theory should not be applied to romantic relationships (Clark and mills)
      exchange occurs between colleagues
      communal - family friends lovers
      • we don’t weigh up costs and rewards in everyday like; they will balance out in the long run
    • identify one strength of the equity theory?
      Stafford and canary (2006)
      studied 200 married couples
      • questionnaires; relationship satisfaction and how they maintained their relationships including chores etc.
      • if they perceived their relationship as fair and balanced then they had the most satisfaction, then over benefitted followed by under benefitted
    • the investment model of commitment?
      ;
      A)
      B)
      C)
      D)
    • satisfaction is where there are lots of rewards (companionship, attention, emotional support) and few costs (arguments, time) = high satisfaction
    • comparison with alternatives?

      — is there a better alternative to satisfy needs
      — being single or finding a new partner
      = low then satisfaction is high and more likely to stay in current relationship
    • investments in investment model ?
      anything that a person puts into a relationship that will be lost if it ends
      1 intrinsic investments; put in by each individual like time and energy
      2 extrinsic investments; shared things that may be lost like a house, a pet or children
      — the greater the investment, the more likely they are to commit to stay
    • commitment in investment model?
      maintenance of relationship is determined by this
      the likelihood that a relationship will persist
      strengthened by satisfaction and investment
      weakened by presence of alternatives