Relational Commitment toward a Partner in Prison: An Investment Model Analysis

Abstract The present study aimed to examine the underlying mechanisms of why partners of detainees remain in their relationships and whether this mechanism is associated with the number of monthly visits made to the imprisoned partner. The Investment Model Scale was used to assess: commitment, relationship satisfaction, relationship alternatives, and relationship investments in a sample of one hundred female partners of detainees (M = 35.9 years). As expected, satisfaction was positively and alternatives negatively associated with commitment and commitment was positively related to the number of visits. These results may inform prison initiatives aimed at supporting relationship maintenance.