Chapter 6: Interdependency

Question 1

What is interdependency?

Answer 1

• Interdependency exists when individuals need each other to obtain valuable interpersonal rewards.
• Relationships begin with a social exchange, where mutual exchange of desirable rewards occurs between two people.

Question 2

What are the central elements of social exchange?

Answer 2

• Outcomes
• Comparison levels
• Comparison levels for alternatives
• Rewards are gratifying experiences, while costs are punishing, undesirable experiences.
• The outcome is the net profit or loss, calculated as rewards minus costs.

Question 3

What do we expect from our relationships?

Answer 3

• Interdependence theory assumes that individuals have a comparison level representing the value of expected outcomes based on past experiences.
• Outcomes exceeding the comparison level lead to satisfaction, and outcomes below it result in dissatisfaction.
• Comparison level for alternatives influences dependence on relationships.

Question 4

What are the four types of relationships?

Answer 4

1. Happy and stable: Outcomes exceed both comparison levels.
2. Unhappy but stable: Outcomes are lower than the comparison level but higher than the comparison level for alternatives.
3. Happy but unstable: Outcomes are higher than the comparison level but lower than the comparison level for alternatives.
4. Unhappy and unstable: Outcomes are lower than both comparison levels.

Question 5

What happens when comparison levels change over time?

Answer 5

• Expectations rise over time, leading to increased comparison levels.
• Rising comparison levels may lead to decreased satisfaction even if outcomes remain the same.
• Cultural changes and life transitions can influence comparison levels.

Question 6

What are “the economics of relationships”?

Answer 6

• Desirable relationships are more rewarding than punishing overall.
• Losses affect us more than equivalent gains.
• Pleasure and pain operate independently, and a balance is necessary for satisfaction.
• The self-expansion model suggests maintaining personal growth to combat boredom.

Question 7

How are rewards and costs different?

Answer 7

• Rewards fulfill an approach motivation, seeking desirable experiences.
• Costs involve an avoidance motivation, aiming to avoid undesirable experiences.
• Pleasure and pain are distinct processes, and a balance is crucial for relationship satisfaction.

Question 8

What is equity in relationships?

Answer 8

• Equity theory asserts satisfaction in relationships with proportional justice, where benefits match contributions.
• Overbenefited and underbenefited partners may exist, but interdependence theory emphasizes overall reward quantity.

Question 9

What is the “nature of commitment”?

Answer 9

• Commitment arises from social exchange elements like satisfaction, alternatives, and investments.
• Different forms of commitment include personal commitment (wanting to continue), constraint commitment (feeling obligated), and moral commitment (based on moral obligation).
• Commitment involves a long-term orientation and leads to protective actions and accommodation in relationships.