Romantic Relationships
Relational Standards: Rules and Expectations in Romantic Relationships
Submitted by Alexandra Elizabeth West BBSc, BLitt, Postgrad Dip in Psychology
June 2006 A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Australian Catholic University National.
School of Psychology Australian Catholic University National Melbourne, Australia
Australian Catholic University Research Services Locked Bag 4115 Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia
Acknowledgements
A number of people have assisted me throughout the journey of completing this research, and deserve my thanks. To my supervisor, mentor and friend Professor Barry Fallon, to whom I owe a great debt. His support has been unwavering, and his encouragement and generosity have been constant. Because of him I have learned an immeasurable amount about the research process, and about my own strengths. For all of this Barry, a heartfelt thank you. A big thank you to my family, who have walked this road with me. Their love and support are unconditional, and they have gone above and beyond the call of duty many a time in efforts to help. Thank you for cheering me on and encouraging me from the sidelines at every step, it has meant the world to me. A special thank you to my grandmother for her love and support – one of your last wishes was to see me complete this process. You may no longer be here in person, but I did it, and I know you are smiling. To all my wonderful friends, thank you for your friendship, and for always being there. While they have all played an integral part in my life, and have supported me on this journey, there are some special mentions. A special thanks to Carli Growcott, for her constant friendship, support and encouragement. Carli, you have been there at every turn, and have supported me when I have most needed it - thank you. A special thanks to Lisa Eisen, Helene Agius, Catherine McInerney and Ingrid Deehan for their friendship and support – thanks
Submitted by Alexandra Elizabeth West BBSc, BLitt, Postgrad Dip in Psychology
June 2006 A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Australian Catholic University National.
School of Psychology Australian Catholic University National Melbourne, Australia
Australian Catholic University Research Services Locked Bag 4115 Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia
Acknowledgements
A number of people have assisted me throughout the journey of completing this research, and deserve my thanks. To my supervisor, mentor and friend Professor Barry Fallon, to whom I owe a great debt. His support has been unwavering, and his encouragement and generosity have been constant. Because of him I have learned an immeasurable amount about the research process, and about my own strengths. For all of this Barry, a heartfelt thank you. A big thank you to my family, who have walked this road with me. Their love and support are unconditional, and they have gone above and beyond the call of duty many a time in efforts to help. Thank you for cheering me on and encouraging me from the sidelines at every step, it has meant the world to me. A special thank you to my grandmother for her love and support – one of your last wishes was to see me complete this process. You may no longer be here in person, but I did it, and I know you are smiling. To all my wonderful friends, thank you for your friendship, and for always being there. While they have all played an integral part in my life, and have supported me on this journey, there are some special mentions. A special thanks to Carli Growcott, for her constant friendship, support and encouragement. Carli, you have been there at every turn, and have supported me when I have most needed it - thank you. A special thanks to Lisa Eisen, Helene Agius, Catherine McInerney and Ingrid Deehan for their friendship and support – thanks
References: 2 Blau’s (1964) exchange theory was the archetype for this research area, and he described a theory of exchange where interactions were constructed in terms of all parties involved in the interaction Theories of Commitment Principles of social exchange theory have been further extended to account for commitment and its components (Rusbult, 1980, 1983; Rusbult, Johnson, & Morrow, 1986) Rules and Norms Thibaut and Kelley (1959) presented one of the earliest discussions of rules and norms in relationships in their discussion of interdependence theory and exchange principles in dyads and groups