Discuss theories on the maintenance of romantic relationships (24 marks)

The social exchange theory was developed by Thibaut and Kelly, who suggested that social behaviour is due to the result of an exchange process, where people try to maximise rewards (Such as self-esteem and happiness) from a relationship and minimise costs (such as time, effort and emotional support). The exchange process changes when an individual receives rewards from others; they feel the need to return the favour. If the rewards outstrip the costs, this is seen as a positive sign in the maintenance of a relationship, but if the costs outweigh the rewards, the theory suggests that this could have a damaging effect on maintaining relationships. Thibaut and Kelly claimed that we create a comparison line (a standard against which all our relationships are judged). This referred to whether one person would offer something better or worse in accordance to what we expect from them. So if our current relationships exceed our comparison level, it’s a worthwhile relationship to stay in. However, if our current relationships fail to exceed our comparison level, this means we are dissatisfied with the relationship and may look for an alternative partner.
Simpson et al conducted evidence supporting the social exchange theory. They found that participants in existing relationships rated people of the opposite sex as less attractive than participants not in relationships. This suggested that people judge prospects of new alternative relationships as being less profitable if they are already in a committed relationship. This meant that since the participants in a relationship are receiving all the benefits of the relationship (such as company, security and intimacy), building a new alternative relationship would result in the loss of these benefits for a short period of time, which makes it less