Theories of Romantic Relationships

?

Social Exchange Theory

Known as an Economic theory Relationships are like business transactions  Reward - Cost = Profit  Minimax- maximise reward, minise cost. Comparison Level - current profit is higer compared to previous relationships= relationship continues. Comparison Level for Alt - where profitin current relationship is compared to possible alternativerelationships.

1 of 4

Social Exchange Theory- Evaluation

    Supporting evidence

Comparison levels for alternatives was found to be most associated with relationship commitment in a longitudinal study of 101 dating couples at a US University

When CL alt was high commitment & satisfaction was low

    Measuring concepts in the S.E.T are difficult to empirically test theory

Difficult to objectively measure ‘value/rewards’ in relationships

  Many researchers do not accept

 There is not an exchange monitoring process to keep track of who has the most profit (Clark & Mills). Cannot explain the majority of relationships

2 of 4

Equity Theory

Relationships are maintained if there is equity leads to satisfaction.  Relationships which are ineuitable lead to distress & disatisfaction.

Inequity -under-benefitted, Costs outweigh the rewards                                         over-benefitted, Rewards outweigh the costs

Consequences of Inequity- Restore actual equity, restore psychological equity or leave.

3 of 4

Equity Theory- Evaluation

Supporting evidence - Newly married couoples, severy measuring equity, more satisfatcion = more equitable. This means equity cause satisfaction.

Research make establishing cause and effect difficult.  Dissatisfaction of the relationship may be the cause of inequity not the effect.

This mean equity may be subjective to individuals. Men and women are affected by inequity differently.  Generally women perceive themselves to be under-benefitted more & feel more guilt when they are over-benefitted

4 of 4

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Psychology resources:

See all Psychology resources »See all Relationships resources »