Investment model 2.0 in couple relationships: when jealousy threats couple’ stability

Abstract

Social Network Sites (SNS) changed how people interact, massively influencing their everyday lives and their romantic relationships, determining changes in partner’s satisfaction and other fundamental aspects as intimacy, self-disclosure and commitment. An important quality is represented by the way in which each partner shows his/her couple identity on the social network: this representation influences many aspects of couple relationship in the offline context. The quality of alternatives that each partner perceives is another aspect that contributes to influence commitment and investment towards a romantic relationship. Emotions and behaviors carried out by a jealous partner can be implemented in online contexts, like FacebookTM. In the present study, factors regarding jealousy experienced by partners on FacebookTM are taken in consideration and connected to commitment, a fundamental dimension to maintain a close relationship. Results confirm our hypothesis and propose an addition to Rusbult’s Investment Model (1983). In light of social and communication changes, jealousy, defined as the dimension of threat to relationship’ stability, modifies the understanding of processes inherent couple relationships.