What are outcome expectations in relationship maintenance?

• A. Beliefs about the likely rewards of staying together.
• B. Predictions about future earnings.
• C. The couple's past relationship history.
• D. Unchangeable facts about the relationship.

Answer: (A)

Outcome expectations in relationship maintenance are the beliefs about the rewards you expect to get if you stay in the relationship. They are forward-looking judgments about what continuing the relationship would bring—like emotional support, closeness, companionship, shared goals, and stability—versus the effort and potential costs involved. These expectations shape how much you invest in maintaining the relationship, whether you work through conflicts, communicate, or make sacrifices to keep it going. They aren’t about money or earnings, they aren’t simply a record of the couple’s past history, and they aren’t unchangeable facts about the relationship. Instead, they reflect anticipated benefits from staying together.