Final answer:
The equity approach to romantic relationships, per social exchange theory, is where people are satisfied when their contributions to the relationship are proportional to their partner's.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equity approach to romantic relationships, grounded in social exchange theory, posits that individuals seek to maintain relationships where the perceived inputs and outcomes are equitable. Specifically, this approach suggests that people are satisfied with their relationships when they believe their contributions (or inputs) and the rewards (or outputs) they receive are proportionate to those of their partners. In simpler terms, they want to ensure fairness in the give-and-take of a relationship.
According to social exchange theory, individuals act like naive economists, constantly weighing the costs and benefits of their social interactions. They strive to maximize benefits while minimizing costs. A relationship is likely to be sustained when the benefits outweigh the costs or are at least equivalent. This principle guides individuals in both forming new relationships and evaluating the satisfaction within existing ones, including romantic partnerships.