Suggests that the maintenance of a relationship is determined by commitment where commitment refers to the likelihood of the relationship persisting.
Factor 1: Satisfaction - is based on our comparison level and rewards and costs to see profitability. each partner is generally satisfied if there is more profit than in previous relationships
Factor 2: Comparison with alternatives - Satisfaction and investment has to be the same with a low level of alternatives.
Factor 3: Investment - intrinsic includes time, energy, money and self-disclosure. Extrinsic includes shared pet, mutal friends, children and home.
Partners may want to stay in relationships because they don't want to see their efforts go to waste therefore, they will try to maintain and repair damaged relationship (when dissatisfied)
Maintenance behaviour includes communication and sacrifice.
Cognitive maintenance mechanisms include positive illusions and ridiculing alternatives.
