Relationships ending pp
- 2. + Learning Outcome HR.1.D Analyse why relationships may change or end.
- 3. + Triangular Theory of Love Sternberg (1988)
- 4. + Buunk (1998) Communication and Happiness Express their feelings openly and disclose their thoughts. Show affection and understanding for each others’ feelings (empathy and perspective taking) Show conflict-avoidance Demonstrate soothing Take part in destructive communication. Happy Couples Unhappy Couples
- 5. + Social Exchange Theory Kelly & Thibaut (1959) We make cost-benefits that guide our behavior. (Economic Thinking) A relationship will endure as long as it is profitable to both parties. Balance is needed for long-term success
- 6. + Investment Model of Commitment Extends on Social Exchange Theory to apply to close relationships. Adds dimensions of satisfaction and commitment. Satisfaction: positivity of feelings or attraction to partner or the relationship. Commitment: The tendency to maintain a relationship or feel psychologically attached to it. Comparison to other possible relationships is key
- 7. + Key ideas of Investment Model 1. Satisfaction in a relationship depends on rewards, costs, and the partner’s comparison to other possible relationships. 2. Commitment: A relationship depends on satisfaction, alternatives, & investment. 3. Commitment directly relates to whether a person stays in a relationship.
- 9. + Two Examples of the Investment Model A dissatisfied partner stays in an abusive relationship because they feel as though they are lacking other options or are invested. A satisfied partner leaves a relationship because they feel as though they have other options or are not attached. Key idea: Commitment is the main factor in maintaining relationships.
- 10. + Rusbult (1983) Aim: To investigate why relationships last and end. Method: Longitudinal study of 34 new college couples for 7 months. Broke participants into 3 categories: The Stayers, The Abandoned, The Leavers. Findings: Stayers had high rewards, low costs, high satisfaction, few alternatives, & high commitment over the course of the study. Conclusions: Those ratings predict lasting relationships.
- 11. + Investment Model of Commitment Rusbult Patterns of Accommodation (responding to a partner’s negative behavior) are key to maintaining relationships. Constructive Accommodations: Discussing problems openly and honestly, forgiving each other, and letting problems solve naturally are key to maintaining relationships.
- 12. + Equity Theory The relationship must be perceived as equal/balanced in order for relationships to last. Unhappiness comes from imbalanced relationships.
- 13. + Hatfield (1979) Aim: To investigate how perceptions of equity impact relationship satisfaction. Method: Interviewed over 2000 couples Findings/Conclusions: Under-benefitted partners were more likely to cheat. Greatly-Over or Greatly-Under benefitted partners were more likely to think their relationships would not last. Equitable partners were more likely to think that their relationship would last.
- 14. + Why Relationships End Flora & Segrin (2003) Aim: To investigate possible factors that predict the break-up of relationships. Method: A longitudinal series of interviews, self-reporting, and questionnaires of 66 Young dating couples and 65 recently married couples.
- 15. + Flora and Segrin et al. (2003) ¼ of couples broke up General concern with the time spent together and common interests. Men: Negative and positive feelings had little impact. Women: The amount of negative feelings correlated with the rate of breaking-up. No Divorces Concern with both emotions and shared interest. Men: More concerned with shared interest and shared time. Some emphasis on negative emotions shown by their partner. Women: Satisfaction largely dependent on the amount of negative feelings of their partner. Dating Couples Married Couples Conclusion: Gender impacts the perception of a healthy relationship.
- 16. + Additional Factors that Impact the End of Relationships Women end relationships more than men (Gray and Silver 1990). Marriages between younger than average partners are unstable (Duck 1988). Early parenthood and divorce are correlated (Pringle 1986). Marriages between partners from lower economic groups and lower education levels tend to be unstable (Duck 1992). Having divorced parents increases divorce rates (Duck 1992). Marriage between partners who have had many sexual partners before marriage are less likely to last (Duck 1992).
- 17. + UP Analysis: Carl and Ellie Watch the following clip from UP and explain how the ideas from this standard explain their relationship. What makes their relationship work? How do they use communication? What accommodations do they make? How/why does their relationship change? Why are they able to make their relationship last?
- 18. + Discussion/Response Questions How might these theories relate to the happiness in arranged and choice marriages? What role does communication have on the changes within a relationship? What strengths and limitations exist within these theories?