Abstract
Our aim is to understand the role of the sunk cost effect in intimate abusive relationships. Results of a questionnaire, based on likely scenarios applied to 267 women, show that women in a relationship invest more time/days in a relationship than those who are not in a relationship. Also, an effect of scenario and of relationship status on sunk cost effect were found. Women spend more time in a non-violent scenario; also, they spend more time in a scenario of psychological violence than in one of sexual or physical violence. These results suggest that being in a relationship enhance the likelihood of committing sunk cost effect; prior investments in a relationship acquire more value for individuals in a current relationship where those efforts exist naturally.
| Translated title of the contribution | Being psychologically abused is not enough into ending a relationship |
|---|---|
| Original language | Portuguese |
| Pages (from-to) | 444-459 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Interamerican Journal of Psychology |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Sunk cost effect
- Decision-making
- Intimate abusive relationship
- Violence
