TESTING THE RUSBULT MODEL OF RELATIONSHIP COMMITMENT AND STABILITY INA 15-YEAR STUDY OF HETEROSEXUAL COUPLES

This study tested Rusbult's investment model of relationship commitmen t and stability using data from both partners of 167 heterosexual coup les studied from 1972 to 1987. Multiple regression analyses generally confirmed predictions that rewards and costs account for a significant proportion of the variance in satisfaction and that satisfaction, inv estments, and quality of alternatives together account for a significa nt proportion of the variance in commitment. Evidence about the hypoth esized mediational rob of subjective commitment in predicting the dura tion of relationships was mixed. Path analyses showed that Rusbult's m odel provided an adequate fit to the data and that the associations am ong variables were similar for men and women. The model successfully p redicted relationship duration over a 15-year period. Limitations of t he model and directions for future research are considered.