People remain in unhappy relationships if the perceived cost of leaving exceeds the pain
Social exchange theory posits that people will remain in deeply unhappy relationships if the perceived emotional and financial costs of leaving are greater than the pain of staying.
The decision to stay in or leave a relationship is often a cold calculation of rewards versus costs. According to the social exchange model developed by Thibaut and Kelley in 1959, a relationship remains stable as long as the rewards—such as social status or emotional support—outweigh the costs by at least a two-to-one ratio. Individuals compare their current situation against a 'comparison level' based on their past experiences and the perceived quality of available alternatives.
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