An ‘Incremental Exchange’ Perspective on the Pair Relationship

Abstract

Until recently, models of social exchange have portrayed the reward structure of relationships as constant over time. In a previous paper (Huesmann & Levinger, 1976) we described a new model, based on a framework we called incremental exchange theory, which incorporates such temporal changes in the reward structure. This model was applied to altruistic behavior, self-disclosure, attraction, and romatic involvement.