Relationship Theory- George Levinger

In class today we went over broad topics referred to as the social exchange theory, ABC(DE)'s of a relationship, and communication skills.


The Social Exchange Theory is a model that looks at relationships in terms of them being a sunjective cost-benefit analysis. So when two people are involved in a relationship they will often ask themselves what are the benefits and what are the cons within this relationship. They weigh the alternatives and choose if remaining a couple is the best thing for where they are both at in their life. I personally had this experience where my boyfriend and I asked ourselves if being 200 miles apart from each other while we were both still in high school was the right thing for us. We agreed that it wasn't and remained friends.
The ABC(DE)'s were created by George Levinger who tried to explain the lifespan of any particular relationship.
Attraction- obvious initial attraction. I feel this is an important key to initially find when you are moving forward from the friend stage towards the dating stage of a relationship.
Building-  building from attraction this step is where both parties really get to know each other and begin making certain commitments to each other.
Continuation- realizing continuing on as members within the relationship.Continuation within a relationship empowers the couple as they become intimately involved.
Deterioration- one or both members no longer desire to maintain the relationship.
Ending- Unless the deterioration stage is re-thought, the relationship will most likely come to an end.
An important note within this stage is that the relationship could, at any time, come to an end.


I only agree with the ABC involved with this theory because  I don't feel that deterioration happens within all relationships. For example if one partner dies, that whole Deterioration stage is eliminated.

Sternberg's Triangular Model of Love

I find this model to be completely true when it comes to relationships.  I feel like all the definitions are dead on and that with all of the combined, a couple would have consummate love. I also am a believe and agree that in order to have consummate love one must master the outer areas such as intimacy, compassionate love, romantic love etc. Often times i see relationships lacking in even one of the outer areas and you can tell that  consummate love is not an outcome of that specific relationship.
We viewed a clip from Romeo and Juliet as i mentioned earlier and I feel their form of love for each other could be argued within any of the areas within the triangular theory.