Investment Model

Definition

The investment model is a theory that explains how commitment in romantic relationships is influenced by the perceived investments made by partners, such as time, effort, and resources. This model suggests that greater investments lead to stronger commitment, which in turn promotes relationship maintenance and reduces the likelihood of dissolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The investment model posits that the more resources (like time and emotional energy) a person invests in a relationship, the more likely they are to feel committed to it.
2. According to the model, commitment is also influenced by relationship satisfaction and the quality of alternatives available to partners.
3. High levels of investment can lead to a phenomenon known as 'escalation of commitment,' where individuals persist in a failing relationship due to their past investments.
4. The model helps explain why some couples may stay together despite experiencing dissatisfaction; their significant investments make leaving feel more challenging.
5. By understanding the investment model, therapists can better assist couples in addressing issues related to commitment and help them make informed decisions about their relationships.

Review Questions

• How does the investment model explain the relationship between commitment and the resources invested in a romantic partnership?
  • The investment model suggests that as individuals invest more resources into their relationships—such as time, emotional energy, and shared experiences—their commitment to maintaining the relationship increases. This heightened commitment can create a stronger bond between partners, making them more likely to work through challenges rather than considering dissolution.
• Discuss how the concepts of satisfaction and quality of alternatives interact with the investment model in predicting relationship outcomes.
  • In the investment model, satisfaction plays a crucial role alongside investment in shaping commitment. Higher satisfaction levels typically lead to greater commitment. Meanwhile, if partners perceive high-quality alternatives outside their current relationship, this can undermine their commitment even if significant investments have been made. Therefore, both satisfaction and perceived alternatives are essential factors that interact with investment to predict whether a relationship will thrive or face dissolution.
• Evaluate the implications of the investment model for understanding relationship maintenance strategies among couples facing difficulties.
  • The investment model highlights that when couples encounter difficulties, they must consider both their investments and their satisfaction levels. Understanding this can encourage partners to actively engage in enhancing their relationship satisfaction while acknowledging their past investments. This evaluation can lead to proactive maintenance strategies that foster open communication and problem-solving, ultimately reducing the likelihood of dissolution by reinforcing their commitment through conscious efforts to improve their shared experiences.

Related terms

Commitment: The intention to maintain a relationship over time, characterized by a desire to remain together and a sense of obligation towards the partner.

Satisfaction: The overall contentment or happiness one feels in a relationship, which can affect the level of investment and commitment.

Quality of Alternatives: The perceived attractiveness of potential alternatives to the current relationship, which can impact commitment and decision-making regarding relationship maintenance.