Investment Model

• Investment Theory


  Development of social exchange theory, including consideration of how much has been invested in the current relationship, not just current satisfaction
• Commitment = Satisfaction - Alternatives + Investment
• Investments


  Different to rewards and costs, as once invested, they cannot easily be recovered after breakup

  • Intrinsic - Direct resources e.g. emotional work, time, self-disclosures
  • Extrinsic - Originally outside of relationship, but now connected e.g. friend groups
• (+) A03: Rusbult (1983)


  Longitudinal questionnaire on costs, rewards, investment and comparisons using 17 males and 17 females

  • Found as relationship developed, investment size increased, resulting in greater commitment and reduced quality of alternatives
• (-) A03: Opposite Theory

  Investment theory explains why relationships stay together despite negative impacts such as abuse, and why satisfying relationships with low investments and an attractive alternative will end