Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
This study examined the extent to which variables derived from the investment model predicted distress levels following relationship termination. At least one partner in 28 heterosexual dating couples completed measures of commitment, relationship satisfaction, alternative quality, and relationship duration at Time 1 and, six months later, after their relationships had broken up, a measure of distress. For both males and females, higher levels of distress were predicted by higher Time 1 levels of commitment and lower levels of alternative quality. These findings suggest that distress following relationship termination is greater to the extent that partners are invested in the relationship.
Fine et al. (Mon,) studied this question.