Gia's best friend Michelle can be very critical. More often than not, she is angry with Gia, or is ignoring her. Despite her other friends' repeated pleas to end the abusive relationship, Gia sticks it out. Though she finds Michelle's behavior hurtful, she can't reconcile this behavior with the fact that Michelle can be kind and thoughtful as well. She also believes that Michelle understands her better than anyone else. Which theory provides an explanation for why Gia maintains a relationship that appears to others to be too costly?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory explains Gia's situation by suggesting that she continues the relationship because the benefits (kindness, understanding) outweigh the costs (criticism, anger) in her perspective, despite the apparent imbalance observed by others.

Gia's Best Friend Michelle Can Be Very Critical