AN APPLICATION OF EQUITY THEORY TO INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS (2)

Abstract

This study was designed to test the applicability of equity theory to interpersonal relations. Questionnaires were administered to male and female undergraduates and female technical college students (N=222). They were asked to assess equity/inequity and emotional qualities of the relationships with their most intimate friends of same sex. Subjects were divided into casual and intimate relationship groups according to their current state (length of relationship and intimacy image).The main results were as follows:1) Varimax rotation of the factor analysis (principal factor solution) on the rated moods produced three factors. They were labeled as“contentment”, “anger”, and“guilt”, respectively. These factors were the same as those posited by Homans (1974).2) Female undergraduates who perceived themselves as equitably treated felt more content than those who perceived inequitably treated, only in casual relationships.3) For male undergraduates and female technical college students, the trends as predicted by equity theory were found in intimate relationships.