Social Exchange Theory

Social exchange theory views relationships through an economic perspective, where individuals aim to maximize rewards and minimize costs to enhance satisfaction and stability.

Relationships offer rewards like love, support, and intimacy, but involve costs such as maintenance efforts, conflicts, compromise, and sacrificed opportunities.

The comparison level or CL is the standard of what individuals believe they should receive and contribute in a relationship.

A high CL leads to higher expectations, while a low CL results in lower ones. Satisfaction arises when expectations are met or exceeded; unmet expectations cause dissatisfaction.

Similarly, the comparison level for alternatives or CLalt refers to the rewards an individual believes are available through pursuing alternative relationships.

CLalt measures relationship stability rather than satisfaction. It predicts the likelihood that a person will remain in a relationship.

Finally, investment includes time, effort, and sacrifices that individuals contribute to a relationship but cannot recover if it ends.

Greater investment strengthens commitment but causes individuals to feel trapped in abusive relationships.