Claire and matt are involved in a romantic relationship. matt has recently given claire a gold bracelet. because there was no special occasion, claire now feels the need to reciprocate the gift. the theory of relationships is most applicable in this case.

The answer is the Equity theory. Equity theory emphases on influential whether the spreading of resources is fair to both relational partners. It proposes that individuals who perceive themselves as either under-rewarded or over-rewarded will experience distress, and that this distress leads to efforts to restore equity within the relationship.