Clalt comparison level alternatives expectation

CLalt – Comparison Level alternatives (expectation levels for alternatives) -- qualities that you would
still like for person to have or exude, so you keep an eye out for them in other people while in a
relationship with someone else… I believe. Correct me on this if it’s wrong!
can someone help explain this :)
Relationship A/B:
Expect them to stay together and be happy (because their outcomes are greater than CL and CAlt)
- relationship B is very dependent because their outcome (current relationship) is higher than their
expectations (CL) and their alternatives are below expectations. (There are no better options than
their current partner.)
Relationship C:
Stay together/not happy (they don’t think they can get anything better, but it’s not up to their
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expectations)
Relationship D:
Happy/not likely to stay together (they think they can do better)
why is relationship A more satisfying than B? <<Because the current relationship exceeds
expectations when it comes to the current and alternative relationship. There is less of a
dependence there which can lead to more satisfaction
Commitment – amount to which you are relying on your relationship. ( SUBJECTIVE experience of
dependence)
· However, you can be dependent and committed at the same time.
· Closeness, attachment, loyalty, obligation, intention to remain, long term orientation. (weddings
being referred to as “commitment ceremonies” these days)
Investment Model (Rusbult, 1980)
· Cost vs. Rewards = Outcomes (How much are your costs, what are your outcomes?)
· When our outcomes are better than our expectancies, we stay. If you are happy in a relationship, you
stay.
· Half of people who are single are not looking for a relationship partner. “no relationship right now is
more attractive than their current situation.” “I’m happy being single”
· In order for a situation to be detrimental to your relationship, they both have to be available and
interested, and more attractive than your current relationship.
· Investments – anything that you have put into your relationship (irretrievable resources)
o Children, house, $$$
o Joint social networks
o Time, emotions
· People who have kids, are more likely to have an increased commitment.
· Commitment – LEADS TO …
o Stay/Leave behavior
o Perspective taking
o Accommodation (make things easier for them)
o Derogation of alternative (don’t go looking for better relationship partners)
o Willingness to sacrifice.
o Illusions/ perceived relationship superiority.
o Fidelity (less likely to cheat on their partner)
INTIMACY – the process of developing closeness in a relationship and the feelings associated with that
closeness
· TWO KEY COMPONENTS
o Self – disclosure
o Personally relevant and revealing facts, thoughts or feelings.
o Non – verbal cues can also convey a great deal in the self – disclosure process
§ Can be factual (“I’ve had __ sexual partner in my life”) or emotional (“I’ve had a hard time
trusting people after my last relationship”)
*** Emotional ones may be more important, as they reveal the individual's self-definition
(vulnerability = brings us closer b/c we risk rejection)
o “36 QUESTIONS IN 45 MINUTES”
o Paired students
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§ Small talk
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