In Rusbult's model, which variable refers to the resources invested in the relationship that cannot be recovered if the relationship ends?

• A. Investments
• B. Satisfaction
• C. Alternatives
• D. Costs

Answer: (A)

In Rusbult's Investment Model, commitment is influenced by what you get out of the relationship and what you’ve already put in. The resources that cannot be recovered if the relationship ends are investments—things like the time you’ve invested, emotional energy, shared experiences, future plans, and any jointly held assets or responsibilities. Leaving would mean losing those investments, which makes staying more likely. Satisfaction is about how happy you are with the relationship, and alternatives relate to other options you might have outside it. Costs refer to what you endure or give up to stay, but the non-recoverable resources described here are specifically the investments.