How does Rusbult's Investment Model differ from Social Exchange Theory regarding relationship dissolution?

Social Exchange Theory suggests people leave when costs outweigh rewards. In contrast, Rusbult's model explains that people stay in 'unprofitable' relationships if they have high investment and low alternatives, which maintains commitment.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic investment?

Intrinsic investment refers to resources put directly into the relationship (like time and secrets), while extrinsic investment refers to resources that arise as a result of the relationship (like children or shared property).

Why might an individual in an abusive relationship show high commitment according to this model?

Even if satisfaction is extremely low, the individual may have high investment (children, shared finances) and low quality of alternatives (no place to go), leading to a high level of commitment to stay.

What is a common misconception about the role of satisfaction in Rusbult's model?

A common error is assuming satisfaction is the only predictor of staying. In reality, satisfaction is just one of three factors; a person can be highly dissatisfied but remain committed due to high investment and lack of alternatives.

What mistake do students often make when defining 'Investment'?

Students often limit 'investment' to financial assets. However, in this model, investment includes non-material resources like emotional energy, time, and shared memories.

Is 'Commitment' the same as 'Satisfaction'?

No. Satisfaction is the current feeling of happiness or profit, while commitment is the long-term intent and resolve to stay in the relationship regardless of temporary fluctuations in happiness.

Define 'Comparison with Alternatives' (CLalt) in the context of RIM.

It is the individual's assessment of whether their needs could be better met outside the current relationship, either with a different partner or by being alone.

What are 'Relationship Maintenance Mechanisms'?

These are strategic behaviors and cognitive biases (like sacrifice, forgiveness, and positive illusions) that committed individuals use to protect their relationship from threats.

What is 'Accommodation' in Rusbult's model?

Accommodation is the maintenance behavior where a partner responds constructively rather than destructively to a partner's negative behavior, helping to avoid a cycle of conflict.

Why is 'Investment Size' considered a 'sunk cost'?

Because these resources (time, money, children) cannot be easily recovered if the relationship ends, making the 'cost' of leaving higher than the 'cost' of staying in a mediocre relationship.

Rusbult's Investment Model | AQA A-Level Psychology

Relationships: Option Topic (Section B)

Rusbult's Investment Model

Summary

Rusbult's Investment Model (RIM) is a psychological framework that explains why individuals remain in romantic relationships. It posits that commitment, rather than just satisfaction, is the primary predictor of relationship stability, influenced by the level of satisfaction, the quality of alternatives, and the magnitude of resources invested in the partnership.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Rusbult's Investment Model is an extension of Social Exchange Theory (SET) that addresses why some relationships persist even when satisfaction is low. It shifts the focus from simple profit-and-loss to the concept of commitment.

Commitment: This is the psychological state representing the long-term orientation toward a relationship, including feelings of attachment and the desire to maintain the bond.
Stability: Unlike SET, which suggests people leave when costs outweigh rewards, RIM argues that people stay because they are committed, even if the relationship is currently 'unprofitable'.

A flowchart showing Satisfaction, Alternatives, and Investment Size all feeding into Commitment, which then leads to Relationship Maintenance Behaviors.

2. The Three Determinants of Commitment

Satisfaction Level: This refers to the extent to which the relationship meets the individual's needs. It is calculated by comparing the rewards (emotional support, companionship) against the costs (arguments, time constraints).
Comparison with Alternatives (CLalt): This involves assessing whether a different relationship, or being single, would provide a better outcome. If alternatives are perceived as poor, commitment to the current partner increases.
Investment Size: This is the most significant addition to the model. It refers to the resources an individual would lose if the relationship ended. High investment creates a 'sunk cost' that makes leaving difficult.

3. Types of Investment

Investments are categorized based on when and how they were introduced into the relationship.

Intrinsic Investment: These are resources put directly into the relationship by an individual. Examples include time, personal effort, emotional energy, and self-disclosure of private information.
Extrinsic Investment: These are resources that did not exist before the relationship but were created or acquired because of it. Examples include mutual friends, shared possessions (like a house), children, and shared memories.

4. Relationship Maintenance Mechanisms

5. Key Distinctions

6. Exam Strategy & Tips