Understanding Equity Theory in Relationships

What is the main focus of equity theory in relationships?

• Maximising rewards and minimising costs

• Achieving fairness and balance

• Increasing self-disclosure

• Developing emotional connections

According to equity theory, what should be equal between partners in a relationship?

• The exact amount of rewards and costs

• The ratio of benefits to costs

• The level of self-disclosure

• The emotional input

What feelings might an over-benefiting partner experience according to equity theory?

• Anger and resentment

• Guilt and shame

• Happiness and satisfaction

• Indifference and apathy

What did Mary Utne et al. (1984) find in their study of recently married couples?

• Couples with high self-disclosure were more satisfied

• Couples who felt their relationships were equitable were more satisfied

• Couples with low equity at the start were more likely to break up

• Couples with high levels of emotional input were more satisfied

What did Berge and McQuinn (1986) discover in their longitudinal study?

• Equity increases over time in relationships

• High self-disclosure and perceived equity at the start predict relationship success

• Low equity at the start leads to increased satisfaction over time

• Equity is the most critical factor in relationship longevity

What term is used to describe individuals who are less sensitive to inequity and willing to give more than they receive?

• Entitleds

• Benevolents

• Altruists

• Equitables

What is a significant factor in relationship dissatisfaction according to equity theory?

• Lack of emotional connection

• Change in the level of equity over time

• High levels of self-disclosure

• Excessive financial costs

How might partners address inequity behaviourally if they believe the relationship is salvageable?

• By ignoring the inequity

• By working harder to restore equity

• By seeking external validation

• By ending the relationship

What approach do Mills and Clark (1982) suggest might be better for studying relationships?

• A nomothetic approach

• A quantitative approach

• An idiographic approach

• A universal approach

What is a potential consequence of prolonged inequity in a relationship?

• Increased emotional connection

• Greater financial stability

• Relationship breakdown

• Improved communication