A dyadic model of investments: Partner effects on commitment

A dyadic approach to studying relationship dynamics yields considerably more insights than examining each partner separately. Yet relatively little research has examined dyadic models of commitment, despite commitment being essential to relationship persistence. Accordingly, we tested a dyadic versi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of social and personal relationships 2019-11, Vol.36 (11-12), p.3471-3491
Main Authors: Coy, Anthony E., Davis, Jody L., Green, Jeffrey D., Etcheverry, Paul E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Commitment
Couples
Cross-sectional studies
Dyads
Investments
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Summary:A dyadic approach to studying relationship dynamics yields considerably more insights than examining each partner separately. Yet relatively little research has examined dyadic models of commitment, despite commitment being essential to relationship persistence. Accordingly, we tested a dyadic version of the investment model of commitment. In two cross-sectional studies of couples and one experiment, we tested the role of partner investments and perceived partner investments as novel antecedents of commitment. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that greater partner investments were related to greater levels of individuals’ commitment, while controlling for individuals’ own satisfaction with, investments in, and alternatives to the relationship. Study 3 revealed that partner-reported investments predicted commitment independent of perceived partner investments. The findings advance the investment model beyond the individual level, emphasizing the need to examine dyadic elements of relationships.
ISSN:0265-4075
1460-3608
DOI:10.1177/0265407518822783