- Outline Rusbult’s Investment Model. Explain one limitation of this model as a theory of romantic relationships.
[6]
AO1 = 3 marks, AO3 = 3 marks
For 4-6 marks the answer should provide a clear and detailed explanation, using a good level of detail. Effective use of examples should be given to support the points made. There should be confident use of terminology. Evaluation should be effective and should provide one relevant limitation with some expansion.
For 2-4 marks the answer will be generally coherent and include some detail. There may be some lack of expansion or development of ideas. There should be some use of terminology. One limitation will be present but may lack expansion.
For 1-3 marks the answer will be only partially successful in describing the model. Terminology will be sparse and there may be some vagueness or ambiguity to the response. One limitation is likely to be sparse or absent altogether.
Possible answer content could include:
- AO1: Rusbult’s investment model is one of the ‘economic’ theories of romantic relationships, being based on the concept of satisfaction with the relationship (drawing from SET’s idea of rewards/costs, satisfaction and CLalt) and size of investment made by the partners in the relationship
- These investments may be intrinsic (e.g. time, effort, furniture for the house) or extrinsic (e.g. a mortgage, children, holidays, shared memories)
- Commitment is also a strong element of the model, explaining why dissatisfied partners may stay together: to honour their commitment to each other or to other people e.g. their children
- AO3: One limitation with the model is that it is an overly simplistic and vague way of explaining the complexities and sometimes the illogical nature of romantic relationships
- Subsequent research (Goodfriend & Agnew, 2008) has adapted Rusbult’s model to include future plans or intended investment in the relationship rather than trying to apply it in a rather ‘cold’ account-based way
- The model fails to address cultural diversity as some cultures would not view relationships in this way (e.g. collectivist cultures where relationships may be based on family tradition/duty or religion) so it lacks generalisability beyond individualistic cultures i.e. it may be ethnocentric