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Abstract

The present study examines the explanatory power of alternative determinants of relationship commitment derived from the social exchange and equity perspective. We hypothesized that relationship commitment varies directly with relationship outcomes, outcomes relative to the attractiveness of alternatives, relationship satisfaction and duration. We also hypothesized that commitment varies inversely with relationship inequity and that females would be less committed to their relationships than would males. Using self-report data from college students dating one person exclusively and multiple regression procedures, we found clear support for the first set of hypotheses, marginal support for the effect of inequity, and no -support for the hypothesized gender difference in commitment.

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Social Exchange and Equity Determinants of Relationship Commitment

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