Investment model of commitment

The investment model of commitment, originally described by <a href="/facts/Caryl_Rusbult/gpSmG201">Caryl E. Rusbult</a>, is a predictive psychological theory that aims to explain why people remain in relationships. Its tenants are based primarily on those of <a href="/facts/Interdependence_theory/wcGvwodr">interdependence theory</a>, created by <a href="/facts/Harold_Kelley/Ly6XSaLz">Harold Kelley</a> and <a href="/facts/John_Thibaut/wSH5SNIg">John Thibaut</a>. <a href="/facts/Interdependence_theory/wcGvwodr">Interdependence theory</a> is based on both satisfaction and dependence. One's satisfaction within a relationship is determined by the outcomes one sees in a relationship versus their comparison level, or what one expects out of a relationship. Dependence is a measure that compares the outcomes of a relationship with the outcomes possible in another relationship, or an alternative. In the case of interdependence theory, one would theoretically be able to predict whether an interaction or relationship will flourish or end poorly based on whether each person in the relationship is satisfied, and if they each believe that the situation they are currently in is superior to a relationship that they could have with an alternative. However, certain situations in which people remain in relationships cannot fully be explained by this model alone. Examples include relationships in which outside alternatives are likely better, including abusive relationships. For this reason, the investment model was theorized to further predict relationships like these.
The investment model adds a third factor to interdependence theory, which is investment size. These three factors contribute to a measure of "commitment," which can be used to determine whether or not two people will remain in a relationship with one another. Given that in relationships, there is often an unjustified persistence for people to stay together, it seems as though there must be other things at work besides just satisfaction, and comparison with alternatives.
Given this fact, the investment model describes these three factors, and claims that all of these things add up to a central measure of commitment. If commitment, considering all of these factors is high, then the relationship will remain afloat, even if one of the factors is particularly low. In a similar way, if commitment is very low, even if one of the factors is very high, then the relationship will likely end. Investments within this model are characterized into two subsets, intrinsic and extrinsic. Meanwhile, this theory also predicts mechanisms that people employ in order to stay together, who would without investments likely separate. Much has been researched regarding this topic, and evidence points towards the investment model as an accurate predictor of all types of relationship success.

Investment model of commitment open-in-new

Investment model of commitment