Fairness and Reward Level as Predictors of Relationship Satisfaction

The purpose of the present study is to examine (a) the degree to which people perceive equity and equality to coexist in their relationships, and (b) the relative ability of equity, equality, and reward level to predict relationship satisfaction. First, 337 individuals were asked to assess their current dating relationships in terms of equity, equality, reward level, and satisfaction. Second, some of the data from the Walster, Walster, and Traupmann (1978) study concerning equity and relationship satisfaction were reanalyzed. Results from the present data and the Walster et al. data indicate that the concurrence of equity and equality (or inequity and nonequality) is very high. In addition, analyses of the present data reveal that reward level is superior to equity and equality in predicting relationship satisfaction. The results point to a need for longitudinal assessment of relationships in order to understand the apparently dynamic nature of reward allocation in relationships.