Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

LITERATURE REVIEW 
The Investment Model 
The Investment Model was initially developed as a means of describing satisfaction and commitment 
related to romantic involvement (Rusbult, 1980b). The Investment Model proposes that one’s commitment to a 
dyadic relationship is a function of (a) satisfaction with the relationship, (b) a comparison of the best available 
alternatives to the relationship, and (c) his or her investments in the relationship. To facilitate the following 
discussion, the participant in discussion is hereafter referred to as John, and his partner is referred to as Mary.
 
Satisfaction.
The Investment Model assumes that people are generally motivated to maximize rewards and 
minimize costs (Rusbult, 1980a). The Model proposes that John’s satisfaction (SAT) with the relationship depends 
on the rewards John estimates to derive from the relationship, the amount of costs it takes, and his general 
expectations of relationships.
Quality of Alternatives.
In the mean time of evaluating his relationship, John may also contemplate what 
might be experienced outside the current relationship. John’s commitment to Mary is reduced to the degree that the 

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