Developmentally grounded research on norms for social exchange in adult relationships is equivocal, and rife with theoretical and methodological inconsistencies. We examined the applicability of three theoretical perspectives to specific relationships differing in self-perceived closeness in three groups of adults. Participants were first year (n = 37, MAge = 19.1 years) and fourth year (n = 42, MAge = 22.1 years) undergraduates, and retired teachers (n = 42, MAge = 66.8 years). We find considerable similarity among the three age groups on exchange norms and reciprocity expectations, despite considerable differences in sources of supportive relationships. Results indicate greatest support for exchange based upon need over either equity or social exchange perspectives, with this being especially true for very close relationships. Older adults report relationships operating to a greater extent on expectations for long-term over short-term reciprocity than young adults. Findings highlight the importance of considering intra-individual variation in exchange norms and expectations for reciprocity.
