Name of Theory
Behavior exchange theory
Synonyms
Social Exchange Theory
Introduction
Behavior exchange theory is a set of ideas designed to explain the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of close relationships. The basic principles of behavior exchange theory are that (a) close relationships are characterized by interdependent interpersonal transactions (behavioral exchanges) between people, (b) these exchanges provide rewards and costs for each person, and (c) people weigh the ratio of rewards and costs against alternative relationships to determine whether to continue or dissolve the relationship. Based on these ideas, it follows that satisfying and stable relationships will contain behavioral exchanges marked by favorable reward-cost ratios for each member of the relationship. Although behavior exchange theory has been of interest across multiple disciplines, this entry will emphasize the aspects most pertinent to couple and family therapy.
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Eldridge, K.A. (2019). Behavior Exchange Theory. In: Lebow, J.L., Chambers, A.L., Breunlin, D.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_103
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