Explain the Investment Model of Commitment and name its three predictors.

• A. Satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investments
• B. Commitment, communication, and compatibility
• C. Trust, proximity, and frequency of interaction
• D. Love, similarity, and shared activities

Answer: (A)

The Investment Model of Commitment explains why people stay in or leave intimate relationships by focusing on three predictors that shape commitment: satisfaction, the quality of alternatives, and investments. Satisfaction is about how rewarding the relationship feels; when rewards outweigh costs, commitment rises. The quality of alternatives looks at whether there are better relationship options outside the current one; if there aren’t attractive alternatives, commitment increases. Investments are the resources already poured into the relationship—time, shared experiences, plans for the future—that would be lost if the relationship ended; larger investments make leaving more costly and thus boost commitment. Therefore, the three predictors are satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investments, which is why this option is correct. Other factors listed (like general trust, proximity, or love and similarity) don’t capture the three predictors of this model.