A01

• summary

  • rusbults investment model describes 3 factors used to explain why people persist in relationships
  • it states investments are the most important factor
• 1. satisfaction level


  positive or negative emotions experiences during the relationship
• 2. quality of alternatives

  • examines other options/ alternatives, needs to be met with better ones in order to leave
• 3. investment size

  • all the resources which are attached to a relationship eg house, dog
• persist in relationship

  • satisfaction must be high
  • quality of alternatives low
  • investment size high
• however, many couples with small profits still remain together due to large investments

  • intrinsic investments=resources we added to the relationship eg money
  • extrinsic investments=resources which have come about due to the relationship eg children, mortage
• rustbult also suggested mechanisms which facillitate commitment eg forgiveness, willingness to sacrifice