A longitudinal study of equity and satisfaction in intimate relationships

Abstract

This longitudinal study was aimed at illuminating some fundamental problems with respect to the application of equity theory in intimate relationships. First the relationship between perceived equity and satisfaction was tested, and next it was ascertained whether inequity produces dissatisfaction or vice versa. A second issue addressed in the present study was whether global assessments of equity represent some type of calculation made by the subject of all the relevant inputs and outcomes. Finally, the elements subjects take into consideration when they respond to a global equity measure was assessed. These issues were examined in a sample of 736 primarily married subjects, including 259 couples who had been married for varying lengths of time. The results provide some evidence that equity has an effect upon satisfaction and not vice versa. The assumption that global assessments are based upon a weighted summing up of a representative set of inputs and outcomes was not supported. Instead, it was found that the global measure particularly reflects exchange elements such as ‘commitment to the relationship’, ‘sociability’ and ‘attentiveness’.

When Fairness is Especially Important: Reactions to Being Inequitably Paid in Communal Relationships

“…For instance, although Wicker and Bushweiler (1970) focused on experiences of pleasantness with experiments, and not on satisfaction with equitable and inequitable outcome distributions, their work is interesting for the current purposes because they suggest that the degree of closeness between respondents and their interaction partners may be an important determinant of experienced pleasantness in social interactions. Other studies that resemble the current research to a greater extent were conducted by Van Yperen and Buunk (1994;see also Buunk & Van Yperen, 1991;Van Yperen & Buunk, 1990, 1991. These authors also examined equity in close relationships, although they mainly applied equity research to marital relationships.…”

On the Psychology of the Advantaged: How People React to Being Overpaid

“…For example, in organizational settings it is easy to find examples of the importance of understanding how people deal with being overpaid (e.g., Adams, 1965;Adams & Freedman, 1976;Greenberg, 1982). Furthermore, research on intimate relationships has revealed that being better off than your partner can play an important role in how people react to issues in their intimate relationships (e.g., Mikula 2003;Van Yperen & Buunk, 1990).…”

Da li je jednakost u pokazivanju ljubavi važna za zadovoljstvo brakom?

“…For example, Sprecher (1988) found 69.8% to be in equitable relationships, 13% to be under-benefited and 17% to be over-benefited. Furthermore, data from the Netherlands (Van Yperen & Buunk, 1990) suggest that around 60% of both men and women are in equitable marriages, whereas 13% of men and 25% of women feel under-benefited, and 25% of men and 17% of women perceive themselves to be over-benefited in their marriages.…”