Betrayal Analysis

The purpose of the research study Merissa H. Ferrara and Timothy R. Levine performed was to create an explanation and make predictions about the satisfaction and stability of a relationship following incidents betrayal. Ferrara and Levine thought that the investment model and an array of communication strategies would be factors affecting the outcome of relationships after a betrayal. The two researchers used existing scholarship on the importance of relationships to health and well being, the risks a relationship held, and the affect betrayal has on individuals and relationships. Studies relating to the idea that betrayal does not need to ruin a relationship, the lack of communication used to try to repair a relationship, and forgiveness

Ferrara and Levine looked for multiple answers in the study. They wanted to know if is using communication strategies affect relational stability after a betrayal occurred. The study defined betrayal as failing to uphold relational expectations held by a partner. The study also wanted to see how betrayal and comparison level interacted, and the effect the interaction might have o level of satisfaction. Satisfaction was defined as the amount of positive affect associated with the relationship. Researches wanted to look at the relationship between satisfaction and investment size on commitment, and effects comparison level of alternative has on commitment. Commitment referred to the degree to which one feels attachment to and intends to maintain a relationship over time. What affect might satisfaction, investment size, and comparison level of alternative, mediated by commitment, have on relationship

The first research question concluded that apology, promise to change, and value the relationship are all significantly correlated with relationship stability. However, justifying the betrayal and accepting responsibility did not have significant effects on relational stability. It is apparent that when it comes to saving a relationship multiple strategies may be effective as long as the communication is relationship based. More serious offenses require greater efforts toward repair. Asking for forgiveness and empathizing with the victim improve the chances of forgiveness. Promising to change significantly related to relational satisfaction which is the most important aspect of a stable relationship.Multiple conclusions were drawn from the hypotheses. The data disproved the idea that betrayal interacts with CL to create a negative effect on level of satisfaction in a relationship . The greater the betrayal, the more unhappy the individual is. Neither the effect of satisfaction nor the level of alternative had a significant effect on commitment. The research did show that investment level was highly predictive of commitment. Commitment itself only marginally predicted relationship stability. Commitment level did not affect the termination of the relationship, both high and low commitment levels left the relationship after betrayal From the second research question, Ferrara and Levine found that commitment and