Relational Interdependence and Commitment in Marriage

This research was designed to examine, from a social exchange perspective, the interaction between several indicators of relational interdependence and relational commitment in married individuals. It was hypothesized that a high level of interdependence-as indicated by high levels of outcomes (or satisfaction) derived from a relationship, equity experienced within a relationship, and the presence of strong barriers to the dissolution of the relationship-would be positively correlated with a high degree of relational commitment, as measured by low levels of monitoring of alternatives and high levels of cohesion and solidarity. In addition, the differential impact of the indicators of interdependence were examined for their relative contributions in predicting commitment. Results support the hypothesis in that a high level of interdependence-as measured by its indicators-positively covaried with commitment. In addition, perceived equity in the distribution of outcomes within a relationship was the variable found to account for the largest percentage of variance in levels of commitment reported for both husbands and wives.