Chen and Anne come to counseling because they are on the brink of a divorce.After five years of marriage,Anne sees Chen as a highly controlling individual who micromanages their bank account.She's tired of her husband always nagging about money,and says she doesn't feel like she's getting anything positive out of her relationship.Chen considers Anne's spending extravagant.He blames her family background for creating her lack of responsibility.From Anne's perspective,what theory about marriage would explain the relationship failure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social exchange theory suggests that individuals make decisions about their relationships based on a cost-benefit analysis. Anne perceives that she is not receiving enough positive outcomes from the relationship, while Chen perceives that Anne's spending habits are costing him more than he is benefiting from the relationship. This disagreement about the costs and benefits of the relationship is a driving force behind their conflict.

Chen and Anne Come to Counseling Because They Are on the Brink