Which of the following is NOT one of Rusbult's three variables for commitment, from a social exchange perspective?

• A. Having several viable alternative relationships
• B. Satisfaction with the current relationship
• C. Investments
• D. Quality of alternatives

Answer: (A)

Rusbult's Investment Model of commitment in relationships says that commitment is determined by three factors: satisfaction with the current relationship, the investments put into it, and the perceived quality of the best available alternative. The statement about having several viable alternative relationships isn’t one of these determinants because the model cares about how good the best alternative would be, not how many alternatives exist. Even if many options exist, commitment depends on whether the current relationship is satisfying, how much is invested in it, and how attractive the best alternative would be. The other options align with the model: satisfaction reflects how rewarding the current relationship is, investments are resources that would be lost if the relationship ends, and quality of alternatives assesses the attractiveness of the best alternative.