The investment model employs three aspects of a relationship in predicting commitment: satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investment. Do you think all three aspects are equally powerful in predicting commitment? If not, which are more important?

In Rusbult (1980), the first study uses a “what would you do” role playing exercise to test the investment model. Is role playing a good method for measuring attitudes and behavior in close relationships?

Based on the interdependence theory, do you think there’s much hope for a couple’s first serious relationship (where both partners have never been in a romantic relationship before) to last?

Think about the types of investments college students in relationships vs. married couples put into their relationships. Do these investments differ? If so, how would those differences affect the role of investments in commitment and stability?

Are there specific components of the relationship maintenance phenomena discussed in Rusbult et al.’s paper that teenagers vs adults in romantic relationships devote more time and energy?

How might the interdependence theory explain why there are some couples that are always breaking up and getting back together?

Bui et al. expanded Rusbult’s Model by including four additional paths. Two paths go from one partner’s quality of alternatives to the other partner’s commitment. What are some possible explanations for these paths besides the two explanations provided in their paper.

The Branje et al (2007) article uses the investment model to look at close friendships. Can/should the investment model be applied to nonromantic relationships, like friendships, business associations, etc? What are its strengths and weaknesses in application to other types of relationships? Can the other theoretical perspectives we’ve discussed be applied to nonromantic relationships?