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Romantic Relationships and Social Psychological Theories

Theoretical Frameworks

The Psychology of Commitment

Romantic relationships can be explained using different social psychological theories focused on the costs and benefits of involvement, fairness, and investment. We will focus on Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, and Rusbult’s Investment Model which are influential frameworks that describe why individuals commit, stay, or leave relationships based on these concepts.

Social Exchange Theory: Key Components

Social Exchange Theory, rooted in economic principles, likens relationships to a cost-benefit analysis where individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs.

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Rewards

Companionship, emotional support, and intimacy (Positives).
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Costs

Conflict, effort, and compromise (Negatives).
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Comparison Level (CL)

Expectations about what an individual deserves based on past experience or ideals.
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CL for Alternatives (CLalt)

Available alternatives to the current relationship, such as other potential partners, singlehood, or friendships.

Satisfaction Equation (SET)

Rewards - Costs > CL
A relationship is considered satisfactory if the rewards exceed the CL. If costs become too high and benefits low, the relationship is prone to dissolution.

Equity Ratio

Equity Theory, proposed by Walster et al. (1978), argues that partners are happiest when the ratio of their inputs to outputs is equal for both individuals.

(Partner A Input / Partner A Output) = (Partner B Input / Partner B Output)
If inequity occurs (one partner over-benefited or under-benefited), dissatisfaction arises, leading to tension and potential breakdown.

Inputs vs Outputs

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Inputs Factors like time, effort, emotional support, and money put into the relationship.
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Outputs Love, companionship, and material benefits (what is received from the relationship).

The Role of Perception

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Subjective Fairness: Equity theory stresses subjective feelings of fairness rather than objective equality. For example, someone putting in more effort may feel satisfied if they perceive the partner’s rewards are fair considering circumstances.

Rusbult's Commitment Factors

Rusbult’s Investment Model (1998) suggests that commitment depends on these three main factors:

1

Satisfaction Level

Degree to which positive experiences in the relationship outweigh negative ones.
2

Quality of Alternatives

The attractiveness of alternatives is crucial; when alternatives are more appealing, commitment declines.
3

Investment Size

Resources (time, emotional energy, shared possessions, children, mutual friends) that people put into a relationship, which would be lost if it ends.

Investment Types

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Intrinsic Investments Resources directly put into the relationship (e.g., time, effort).
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Extrinsic Investments External resources that develop because of the relationship (e.g., shared possessions, social networks).

Theory Synthesis

These theories provide a broad understanding of what motivates people to form, maintain or end romantic relationships.

Theory Focus Key Concept
Social Exchange Theory Maximize Rewards Comparison Level
Equity Theory Seek Balance Ratio of Inputs to Outputs
Rusbult’s Model Avoid Loss Investment Size
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Social Exchange Theory Flashcards
Term
Social Exchange Theory Focus

What does Social Exchange Theory (SET) focus on in romantic relationships?

Answer
Explanation

SET focuses on the cost-benefit analysis where individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs in a relationship.

Term
Developers of SET

Who developed Social Exchange Theory?

Answer
People

Thibaut and Kelley (1959).

Term
Comparison Level (CL)

What is the Comparison Level (CL) in Social Exchange Theory?

Answer
Definition

The individual’s expectations about what they deserve in a relationship based on past experience, societal norms, or personal ideals.

Term
Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt)

What is Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt)?

Answer
Definition

Consideration of available alternatives to the current relationship, such as other partners or singlehood.

Term
Equity Theory Focus

What does Equity Theory emphasize in relationships?

Answer
Emphasis

Fairness and balance between partners' inputs and outputs rather than just maximizing rewards.

Term
Equity Theory Developer

Who proposed Equity Theory?

Answer
People

Walster et al. (1978).

Term
Inputs and Outputs

What are inputs and outputs in Equity Theory?

Answer
Explanation

Inputs are what partners put into the relationship (time, effort), and outputs are what they get out (love, companionship).

Term
Dissatisfaction Causes

What causes dissatisfaction in Equity Theory?

Answer
Cause

When one partner is over-benefited or under-benefited, leading to perceived unfairness.

Term
Rusbult’s Investment Model Factor

What additional factor does Rusbult’s Investment Model include that SET does not?

Answer
Key Factor

The size of the investment in the relationship, both intrinsic and extrinsic.

Term
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Investments

What are intrinsic and extrinsic investments?

Answer
Definitions

Intrinsic investments are resources directly put into the relationship (e.g., time), extrinsic investments are resources that develop because of the relationship (e.g., shared possessions).

Term
Commitment Factors

What are the three main factors affecting commitment in Rusbult’s Investment Model?

Answer
Factors

Satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, and investment size.

Term
Reasons to Stay in Dissatisfying Relationship

Why might someone stay in a dissatisfying relationship according to Rusbult’s Investment Model?

Answer
Explanation

Because high investments and lack of attractive alternatives increase commitment despite dissatisfaction.

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❤️ Relationship Theories Quiz

1. Which theory views romantic relationships primarily through a cost-benefit analysis?

SET compares rewards and costs to determine relationship satisfaction.

2. According to Equity Theory, dissatisfaction arises when:

Equity Theory stresses perceived fairness in the balance of contributions and gains.

3. In Rusbult’s Investment Model, what are intrinsic investments?

Intrinsic investments are resources one personally invests in the relationship.

4. What does Comparison Level for Alternatives (CLalt) refer to?

CLalt assesses if better alternatives exist than the current relationship.

5. Which factor does NOT directly influence commitment in Rusbult’s Investment Model?

Commitment is predicted by satisfaction, alternatives, and investments, not personality type.

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