Investment in the Relationship (Romantic)

What it measures

Sunk cost, applied to romance — five items ask how much a person has tied up in a relationship that a breakup would take away.

Response Format

7-point Likert

Representative items

• I have put a great deal into our relationship that I would lose if the relationship were to end.
• Many aspects of my life have become linked to my partner (recreational activities, etc.), and I would lose all of this if we were to break up.
• I feel very involved in our relationship - like I have put a great deal into it.
• My relationships with friends and family members would be complicated if my partner and I were to break up (e.g., partner is friends with people I care about).
• Compared to other people I know, I have invested a great deal in my relationship with my partner.

Citation

Garbinsky, E.N., Gladstone, J.J., Nikolova, H., & Olson, J.G. (2020). Love, Lies, and Money: Financial Infidelity in Romantic Relationships. Journal of Consumer Research, 47(1), 1–24.

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