Unhealthy Relationships

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The Investment Model of Relationships - Identifies 3 factors that affect the likelihood of people remaining in a romantic relationship:

1. Level of Satisfaction: Obviously the level will be low if one is considering terminating the relationship.

2. How Much Have You Invested in the Relationship?: The more time a person has invested in a relationship, the harder it is to end it. Some people don't feel like having to start all over again (ie, re-entering the dating scene).

3. Comparison Level - There are 2:

a) Our Own Comparison Level: Comparing current relationship to ones in the past.

b) Comparison Level for Alternatives: Are there better options out there for us? If the answer is yes, one would be likely to terminate the relationship.

Some other Interpersonal Relationship Theories:

Social Exchange Theory: States that we are likely to choose friends and lovers in terms of what we can gain from the relationship. We have to figure out what benefits and costs are involved. In order for the relationship to survive, the benefits MUST outweigh the costs. If the cost is minimal and the benefit is large, people are happier with their relationships.

Equity Theory: People need to have a sense of equity in their relationships, and to reciprocate and give back for what they get. We have a tendency to keep track of what we give and get back.