Real-Life Examples of Equity Theory in Relationships

📚 Quick Study Guide

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• Equity Theory Defined: Proposes that individuals are motivated by fairness in relationships. Fairness is achieved when the ratio of inputs to outputs is equal for both parties.
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• Inputs: What a person contributes to a relationship (e.g., effort, loyalty, time, emotional support).
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• Outputs: What a person receives from a relationship (e.g., love, appreciation, financial support, assistance).
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• Equity: Occurs when an individual perceives that their input/output ratio is equal to their partner's.
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• Inequity: Occurs when one person perceives that their input/output ratio is different from their partner's. This can lead to distress.
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• Under-benefited: Perceiving that you are receiving less than you deserve relative to your contributions.
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• Over-benefited: Perceiving that you are receiving more than you deserve relative to your contributions.
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• Restoring Equity: People may attempt to restore equity through behavioral changes, cognitive adjustments (changing their perception), or ending the relationship.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes the core principle of Equity Theory in relationships?
   1. A) Partners should always contribute equally, regardless of their abilities.
   2. B) Relationships are most stable when one partner is dominant.
   3. C) Individuals are motivated by perceived fairness, based on input/output ratios.
   4. D) Love is the only factor that matters in a relationship.
2. In the context of Equity Theory, what are 'inputs' in a relationship?
   1. A) Only financial contributions.
   2. B) Anything a person contributes to the relationship, such as effort, time, and emotional support.
   3. C) Only the tangible items given as gifts.
   4. D) Solely the amount of housework done.
3. What does it mean to be 'under-benefited' in a relationship, according to Equity Theory?
   1. A) Receiving more than you contribute.
   2. B) Receiving less than you contribute.
   3. C) Contributing equally.
   4. D) The relationship is perfectly balanced.
4. Which of the following is NOT a potential response to perceived inequity in a relationship?
   1. A) Attempting to restore actual equity through behavioral changes.
   2. B) Cognitively distorting one's perception of inputs and outputs.
   3. C) Ending the relationship.
   4. D) Ignoring the imbalance and hoping it resolves itself.
5. Sarah feels she does all the housework while her partner, John, relaxes. According to Equity Theory, Sarah is most likely experiencing:
   1. A) Equity.
   2. B) Over-benefit.
   3. C) Under-benefit.
   4. D) Cognitive dissonance.
6. John starts doing more chores after Sarah confronts him about the housework imbalance. This is an example of:
   1. A) Maintaining the status quo.
   2. B) Restoring actual equity.
   3. C) Cognitive distortion.
   4. D) Ending the relationship.
7. Which scenario best illustrates Equity Theory in action?
   1. A) A couple argues constantly but stays together for the kids.
   2. B) A couple feels mutually appreciated and supported, leading to a fulfilling relationship.
   3. C) One partner always gives in to avoid conflict.
   4. D) A couple keeps score of every little thing they do for each other.