Social Exchange Theory

      Social exchange theory is based on the idea that people use rewards as motivators in different situations. In general, people hope to minimize costs and maximize rewards. They will be more willing to divulge a greater amount of information to another individual if they believe it will be worth their while. The more a person believes that forming a relationship with another person will benefit them, the more information they will reveal to the other person, hence attempting to strengthen their bond. It is assumed that people can understand and relate to one another's needs. For example, if someone lends their neighbor sugar, they would expect their neighbor to return the favor later on if they found themselves needing sugar in a pinch.