6 Years

The goal of this paper’s analysis of the movie 6 Years is to extrapolate numerous ideas onto the personal histories and interpersonal interactions of the various individuals featured in the plot. Essentially, by using them to analyze the scenarios presented in the movie, this technique offers a thorough comprehension of specific theories and concepts.

In a nutshell, the 2015 movie 6 Years depicts the narrative of two couples (William et al., 2015). For six years, Mel and Dan have been devoted partners. However, as they get older they expand their circle of friends who introduce them to diverse lifestyles and broaden their perspectives of what they may be missing out on by remaining in their ‘comfort zone’ relationship. Subsequently, this breeds discontent in both parties, who resort to adopting new lifestyle and welcoming new people into their lives at the expense of their long-term relationship.

Concepts and Theories

There are several concepts or theories introduced through this film as pertains to interpersonal relationships. The three primary theories that are addressed in this paper are: Rusbult’s Investment Model; Sociosexual Orientation; and Theories of Cognitive Consistency.

Rusbult’s Investment Model

Rusbult’s investment model of commitment denotes a theory or model of romantic relationship (Bersheld, & Regan, 2005). It was established to clarify the reason why certain individuals may remain in a romantic relationship whereas others may not. There are four primary elements in this theory: commitment, comparison with alternatives, investment, and satisfaction. Within the context of the film, as the years progressed it became increasingly difficult for Mel and Dan to sustain their relationship. Their commitment to one another wavered as they embraced new friends and new interests. For instance, Dan was contemplating a move to New York, which would undoubtedly jeopardize their relationship. Regarding satisfaction, Mel’s overall satisfaction with the relationship progressively dissipated; hence, resulting in her violent tantrums. In terms of comparison with alternatives, both Dan and Mel found solace in their new group of friends. Particularly for Dan, he grew increasingly close with Amanda and made related decisions that ultimately ended his relationship with Mel. For instance, his impulsive decision to kiss Amanda caused a series of unfortunate events to unfold in his relationship. Ultimately, investment is the most relevant element in the relationship of Dan and Mel. Both of them invested 6 years of their lives into their relationship, which is rather significant. Notably, this was the predominant reason why it was difficult for them to part ways despite their growing dissatisfaction.

Sociosexual Orientation

Sociosexual orientation denotes the personal difference on the willingness to participate in sexual conduct beyond one’s committee relationship (Bersheld, & Regan, 2005). There are individuals who portray a more constrained sociosexual orientation. These individuals are less inclined to have causal sex; rather, they are preferential towards intimacy, commitment, and love. Alternatively, certain people have less restrained sociosexual orientation, which allows them to have casual sex and comfortably partake in sex without intimacy, commitment, or love. In relation to 6 Years, Mel obviously has a more restrained sociosexual orientation in comparison with Dan. When Will attempts to engage in sexual intercourse with Mel, she resists the temptation because not only is she in a committed relationship with Dan, but also her sociosexual orientation does not allow her to engage in casual sex. Alternatively, when Dan is faced with a similar temptation, he opts to have sexual intercourse with Amanda despite not harboring any real feelings of intimacy, love, or commitment for her. On the contrary, he neglects his commitment to Mel when he engages in casual sex with Amanda.

Theories of Cognitive Consistency

There are multiple theories of cognitive consistency. However, the most relevant one for this context is the cognitive dissonance theory by Leon Festinger (Bersheld, & Regan, 2005). The cognitive dissonance theory highlights the importance of positive and negative results in order to minimize stressful decisions. Cognitive dissonance denotes a circumstance in which there are conflicting behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs. Consequently, one experiences feelings of discomfort that prompt a change in one’s behaviors, beliefs, or attitudes in order to minimize the discomfort and reestablish balance. According to the principle of cognitive consistency, individuals often pursue consistency in their attitudes and beliefs in context whereby of inconsistency between two cognitions. Notably, the potent motivation to sustain cognitive consistency can result in irrational and occasional maladaptive conduct.

In the film, Mel’s interaction with other people triggers a profound dissatisfaction with her relationship. Despite being with Dan for six years, she no longer feels fulfilled in that capacity. As a result she adopts new behaviors, mainly partying with her friends. On one occasion, when Dan confronts her about her negligent behavior, she turns violent and injures him significantly enough to warrant a visit to the hospital. Conversely, due to the changes that have begun registering in Mel, Dan’s discontent with the relationship manifests in the form of infidelity. At first he only kisses Amanda. Thereafter, he has sexual intercourse with her despite being in a relationship with Mel. Evidently, this is a futile attempt by both Mel and Dan to restore balance in their lives since their new paths in life are misaligned with their 6-year relationship.

Conclusion

Conclusively, 6 Years is a film that is predominantly about interpersonal relationships. The theories of Rusbult’s Investment Model, sociosexual orientation, and theories of cognitive consistency provide an in-depth reflection of various aspects of their relationship. Perceptibly, from this perspective it is easier to objectively comprehend some of the decisions that Mel and Dan made concerning their relationship.

References

Bersheld, E., & Regan, P. (2005). The psychology of interpersonal relationships. New York: Psychology Press.

Williams, K., Duffy, J., Logan, A., & Fidell, H. (Producers), & Fidell, H. (Director). (2015). 6 Years. [Motion Picture]. USA: The Orchard.