Equity? Reciprocity? It depends on the need!

A recent paper based on our collaboration with Dr. Marci Gleason from the University of Texas at Austin uses some novel analytic techniques (namely, polynomial regression with response surface analyses) to look at the interesting quandary of equity vs. reciprocity. Using dyadic daily diaries (NDays=35, NCouples=80) we found personal outcomes (positive and negative affect) to be worst on inequitable days, particularly overbenefit ones. In contrast, equity did not play the same role with regards to relational outcomes (closeness/satisfaction), for which over-benefit proved more positive. To read more about it, see:

Bar-Kalifa, E., Pshedetzky-Shochat, R., Rafaeli, E., & Gleason, M.E.J. (In press). Daily Support Equity in Romantic Couples: Response Surface Analyses of Monadic and Dyadic Data. Social Psychology and Personality Science.