The investment model (Rusbult, 1980) proposes that commitment is maintained by three mechanisms: Satisfaction, perceived quality of alternatives, and investment. Research suggests that the influence of these mechanisms is largely constant across a variety of individual differences and relational contexts. However, no published research has tested this with respect to personality. The present study did so using the personality trait of narcissism. The results suggest that narcissism indeed moderates the investment model (i.e., mechanisms had greater influence on commitment in highly narcissistic individuals). Discussion focuses on the implications of these results for narcissism, commitment, and the investment model. Also discussed is the importance of identifying and examining additional moderators of the investment model. Suggestions for future research are provided.
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