Perceptions of the Equity and Exchange Processes in Dyadic Social Relationships

Abstract

Perceptions of equity and exchange processes for dyadic social relationships were measured for relationships at high, medium, and low levels of mutuality. 78 students completed a detailed questionnaire concerning the perceived alternatives to the relationship. As the level of the relationship increased, the frequency and the rated importance of certain types of inputs or outcomes changed significantly. These changes suggest increasing task specialization into male and female task groups as the relationship develops. Thus the precise nature of the equity process changes as the nature of the relationship changes. The termination of the relationship was predictable from the over-all level of satisfaction with the relationship in conjunction with the available alternatives and the costs of terminating the relationship. These costs were related to the level of the relationship. The perceived alternatives to a relationship included alternative relationships with other persons and non-interpersonal states such as being alone more frequently than alternative types of relationships with the same person.