Slide 1Interdependence TheoryRewardsCostsOutcomes2 Issues…Comparison LevelsSlide 8Quality of AlternativesThe Combined Effect of CL and Quality of AlternativesThe Investment ModelSlide 12The Concept of InequityEmotions and BehaviorsDealing with Distress in Inequitable RelationshipsGetting a Fair DealInterdependence and EquityInterdependence TheoryThrough communication and the exchange of resources, relational partners become interdependent.People are motivated to be in relationships that provide them with high levels of rewards and low levels of costs.RewardsRewards are positive consequences of being in a relationshipemotional: positive affect when with partner social: being able to meet cool people or being seen as cool yourselfinstrumental: partner helps accomplish tasksopportunity: positive life experiences gained from being in the relationshipCostsCosts are the negative consequences of being in a relationshipemotional: negative affect when with partner social: dealing with not-cool people or being seen as not-cool yourselfinstrumental: partner prevents tasks from being accomplished or creates more workopportunity: life experiences given up for the sake of the relationshipOutcomesThe outcome refers to the overall level of “profit” or “deficit” in relationshipsThe outcome equals rewards minus costs.Outcome = Rewards - CostRelationships are generally rewarding when outcomes are positive, and generally costly when outcomes are negative2 Issues…A single reward or cost can outweigh other rewards and costsTrying to quantify can be very difficultComparison LevelsThe comparison level is based your expectations for the outcome (how rewarding or costly do you expect your relationship to be).CL can also be thought of as a “standard” by which people evaluate their relationships.Outcome minus CL= SatisfactionWhen the outcome meets or exceeds the CL, people are satisfied.When the outcome falls under the CL, people are dissatisfied.Quality of AlternativesQuality of Alternatives refers to the expectations people have about the kind of outcomes they could have in an alternative situationPoor alternatives are related to more commitmentGood alternatives are related to less commitmentThe Combined Effect of CL and Quality of Alternatives Alternatives Are: Poor GoodThe Relationship:Meets or Exceeds CLFails to Meet CLSatisfied and CommittedSatisfied but UncommittedDissatisfied but CommittedDissatisfied and UncommittedThe Investment ModelThe investment model is an extension of interdependence theory.Investments are unrecoverable inputs that individuals deposit into relationshipsIntrinsic investments: resources put directly into the relationship (time, effort)Extrinsic investments: resources developed over time as a result of being in the relationship (possessions, social networks)The Concept of InequityWhen one partner is getting a “worse deal” in comparison to the other partner, there is inequity.Under-benefited: person getting the worse dealOver-benefited: person getting the better dealEmotions and BehaviorsEquity leads to feelings of happiness, satisfaction, fairness, and appreciationUnder-benefited inequity leads to feelings of frustration, anger, disappointment, and dissatisfaction.Over-benefited inequity can lead to feelings of guilt.Dealing with Distress in Inequitable RelationshipsThe more inequity, the more distress for both partners.People can relieve their distress by:1. 2.