Being psychologically abused is not enough into ending a relationship

Sunk cost effect in intimate abusive relationships

Authors

  • Rui Nunes-Costa
  • Mafalda Serra
  • Tânia Sousa
  • Ângela Leite Universidade Católica Portuguesa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30849/rip/ijp.v53i3.1157

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.

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Published

2020-03-09

How to Cite

Nunes-Costa, R., Serra, M., Sousa, T., & Leite, Ângela. (2020). Being psychologically abused is not enough into ending a relationship: Sunk cost effect in intimate abusive relationships. Revista Interamericana De Psicología/Interamerican Journal of Psychology, 53(3), 445–459. https://doi.org/10.30849/rip/ijp.v53i3.1157

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 3 (2019): Interamerican Journal of Psychology/Revista Interamericana de Psicología

Section

Articles

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