Ch. 6 Interdependency

the mutual exchange of desirable rewards with others

• comparison levels: what we expect out of a relationship compared to what we are receiving
• high satisfaction: current outcome is higher than comparison levels
• infidelity: likely when comparison levels are higher than current outcome
• commitment: high when comparison levels are lower than current outcome

• happy and stable (Clalt and CL below Current)
• unhappy but stable (CL above Current but CLalt below current)
• happy but unstable (CLalt above current but CL below current)
• unhappy and unstable (CL alt and CL above current)

• approach motivation: seek pleasure and satisfaction
• avoidance motivation: elude punishment and pain
• satisfied relationships maintain a rewards-to-costs ratio of at least 5-to-1

• flourishing: many rewards with few costs
• boring: safe but dull
• precarious: many rewards and costs
• distressed: few rewards and many costs

Being that we are attracted to those who can expand our range of interests, skills, and experiences then the amount we value that relationship will depend on how much our partner is able to assist in expanding those areas (less able, less value and vice versa)

expecting a period of adjustment and turmoil as new partners become accustomed to their increasing interdependence

greater relationship satisfaction results from providing generosity to a partner when it is a communal relationship

• exchange: people do favors for others expecting to be repaid by receiving comparable benefits in return (expect repayment)
• communal: partners feel a special concern for the other's well-being, and they provide favors and support to one another without expecting repayment (does not expect repayment)

• receiving reward based on how much effort you put into the relationship and become "equal" when partner receives comparable reward based on putting similar effort into the relationship (80/50 = 80/50, 50/25 = 100/50)
• partner one of set two put less effort in than partner two and thus receives less reward

• positive:
• high satisfaction
• lower quality of alternatives that are available (high quality can exist but nothing changes if investment is too high)
• high investment in current relationship
• negatives:
• lack of satisfaction
• higher quality of alternatives are available
• little investment in current relationship