Investment Model

    Cards (5)

    • 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