The Effect of Exchange Orientation on Close Relationships

In a longitudinal investigation of dating couples, I examined two types of exchange orientation for their associations with quality and stability of relationship. One type is concern that one is not the underbenefited partner in an inequitable relationship (underbenefiting exchange orientation, or UEO); the other is concern that one is not the overbenefited partner in an inequitable relationship (overbenefiting exchange orientation, or OEO). I found only slight support for Murstein et al.'s exchange orientation theory, which states that a high exchange orientation decreases satisfaction in close relationships. Underbenefiting exchange orientation, however, did not predict change in relationship quality over time, nor did it predict stability versus dissolution of the relationship. In support of a modified exchange orientation theory, overbenefiting exchange orientation was associated positively (rather than negatively, as was UEO) with some measures of relationship quality. OEO, however also led to very little change in relationship quality over time and did not affect relationship stability versus dissolution of the relationship.