The mediating effects of network overlap and network uncertainty in the investment model

Abstract

The investment model is a widely used theoretical framework in the study of close relationships. The model asserts that commitment is the outcome of relationship satisfaction, perceived investments, and perceived quality of alternatives. The current study sought to expand the scope of the investment model by including social network-based variables (specifically, network overlap and network uncertainty) as potential mediating entities. Results indicated that, when controlling for satisfaction, investment, and quality of alternatives, both network overlap and network uncertainty significantly and negatively relate to commitment. Tests of mediation revealed that both network uncertainty and network overlap partially mediated the associations shared by relationship satisfaction and investment with commitment, such that the positive relationships were significantly weakened. Results are discussed in theoretical and heuristic contexts.