Why Gia Maintains a Costly Relationship: Exploring Social Exchange Theory
What theory explains why Gia maintains a relationship that appears to be too costly?
Gia's best friend Michelle can be very critical and disapproving. Despite her other friends' repeated pleas to end the relationship, Gia sticks it out. Although she finds Michelle's behavior hurtful, Michelle can also be extremely kind and thoughtful. Gia also believes that Michelle understands her better than anyone else does. Which theory provides an explanation for why Gia maintains a relationship that appears to others to be too costly?
a. Social exchange
b. Attraction
c. Equity
d. Uncertainty reduction
Answer:
According to the given statement, Option (a) is correct. The Social Exchange Theory explains why Gia keeps up a relationship that others might perceive as being excessively expensive.
Social Exchange Theory is a psychological theory that explains human relationships and interactions based on the concept of rewards and costs. According to this theory, individuals consciously or unconsciously assess the benefits and drawbacks of being in a relationship and make decisions that maximize their rewards.
What is Social Exchange Theory?
According to the core tenets of the social exchange theory, humans make decisions by weighing the advantages and drawbacks of a situation or course of action, whether consciously or unconsciously, with the final goal of maximizing their reward.
Is social exchange theory useful?
This hypothesis is particularly useful since it explains how people would learn, observe, and/or behave in the lack of communication or knowledge. Similar to how we make choices and act in ways we anticipate being rewarded.