The relationship investment model is an influential theory in understanding romantic relationship commitment and stability. Developed by Caryl Rusbult in the 1980s, it proposes that relationship satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investment size are key factors influencing commitment in intimate relationships. This model has important practical implications, providing a framework to evaluate relationships and make them more fulfilling. With empirical support accumulated over decades, it offers valuable insights for partners, counselors and researchers aiming to build strong, lasting bonds.
Satisfaction depends on rewards exceeding costs in a relationship
The relationship investment model views relationships through an economic lens, with partners exchanging rewards and costs. Rewards satisfy needs, creating happiness and satisfaction. Costs are irritations that partners must endure. When rewards outweigh costs over time, partners feel satisfied. If costs outweigh rewards, dissatisfaction results. Satisfaction thus depends on partners fulfilling each other’s most important needs at an acceptable cost. As needs and circumstances change, the balance of rewards and costs can shift, altering satisfaction levels. By understanding one another’s core needs and minimizing unnecessary costs, partners can sustain mutual satisfaction.
Quality alternatives reduce commitment by enabling comparisons
The availability of quality alternative partners reduces commitment by offering comparisons. When appealing alternatives exist, partners consciously or unconsciously weigh alternatives against their current relationship. The more enticing the alternatives appear relative to the current partnership, the lower commitment will be. Conversely, a lack of viable alternatives increases commitment to the current partner. Alternatives are not merely theoretical but must represent genuine opportunities partners could pursue. Their quality depends on factors like social accessibility, attractiveness, compatibility and the effort required to form a new bond. By focusing on positive aspects of their relationship, partners can maintain high commitment despite tempting alternatives.
Investments make ending a relationship costly
The investment model highlights how investments make leaving costly, binding partners together. Investments are resources like time, emotion, money, shared social ties, memories and self-disclosures devoted to the relationship. The more investments made, the higher the perceived cost of ending the partnership. Losing these investments discourages abandoning the relationship. Investments also make alternatives less appealing by raising the bar for a new partner to justify starting over. Partners build interdependence by continually investing in each other and their relationship. Yet certain investments like children or pooled finances also create constraint commitment, making dissolution difficult for logistical reasons.
Commitment results from satisfaction, alternatives and investments
The relationship investment model proposes commitment depends jointly on satisfaction level, quality of alternatives and investment size. High satisfaction and investment coupled with poor alternatives maximize commitment, encouraging partners to stay together. However, different combinations produce other outcomes. For example, high satisfaction and poor alternatives may sustain an insecure relationship lacking investment. Overall, the theory empirically predicts commitment and relationship stability well. By considering all three factors, partners gain insight into strengthening their bond. Fostering satisfaction, limiting alternatives and increasing investments can cultivate strong commitment and a lasting, fulfilling relationship.
The relationship investment model offers partners a framework for evaluating their relationship and making it more stable and satisfying. By focusing on satisfaction, quality of alternatives and investments, couples can gain insight into the factors binding them together or pulling them apart. Partners can then adjust these relationship dimensions to build the strong, lasting bond they desire.