AO1 - Rusbult's Investment Model

• The investment model emphasises the importance of commitment in relationships

  • Rusbult devised this model to address the limitations of social exchange theory
  • Commitment depends on 3 factors: satisfaction level, comparison with alternatives and the size of investment
• 1. Satisfaction - A satisfying relationship is judged by comparing the rewards and costs. Each partner is satisfied if they are getting more rewards out of the relationship than they expect based on either previous relationships or social norms

  • Increased satisfaction = increased commitment
• 2. Comparison with alternatives - We compare our rewards and costs in our current relationship compared to potential ones with other people but also the possibility of having no relationship at all

  • No better alternative = increased commitment
• 3. Investment size - An investment is something we would lose if the relationship was to end

  • Intrinsic investment - Resources put directly into the relationship, it can include tangible things like money/possessions and intangible things such as time or effort
  • Extrinsic investment - Investments which did not previously feature in the relationship which are now closely associated with it, e.g. shared friends, children
  • Increased investment size = increased commitment
• High satisfaction + no better alternative + increased investment size = increased level of commitment to the relationship