TORR: Rusbult’s investment model

• Rusbult et al (2011)

  Commitment depends on 3 factors (development of SET)

  . Satisfaction

  . Comparison with alternatives

  . Investment
• Satisfaction

  Based on concept of CL

  A satisfying relationship is profitable (more rewards than costs)

  Each partner is satisfied if they get out more than they expect from previous experience and social norms
• Comparison with alternatives

  Are the alternatives more rewarding and less costly? Is the grass greener? If yes then the partner is likely to look elsewhere
• Investment

  CL and CLFA are not enough to explain commitment

  An investment is something that would be lost if the relationship ended:

  Intrinsic investments - Things put directly into the relationship, tangible or intangible

  Extrinsic investments - Things closely associated with the relationship, possessions bought together, friends, children (tangible) or memories (intangible)
• Satisfaction vs commitment

  Commitment is more important than satisfaction, this is due to investments that they don’t want to see go to waste in event of a break up
• Relationship maintenance mechanisms

  Commitment expresses in everyday maintenance behaviours, accommodation, willingness to sacrifice.

  Committed partners are unrealistically positive about one another and negative about tempting alternatives