C077

Reciprocity Sensitivity

B06 Aesthetics, Meaning & Social Bonds
Core LayerMML-2

Version v1.3.2

Definition

How sharply a person tracks exchange: who invested what, who received what, and whether the relationship is reciprocal or one-sided.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Low reciprocity sensitivity: weak exchange-tracking; may overgive or fail to notice over-taking.

High Pole

Very precise reciprocity sense: imbalance is detected early and triggers correction (conversation, boundaries, exit).

Reference

Reciprocity matters in long ties; less salient in short contacts.

Measure

Imbalance threshold at which the person judges the exchange unfair and changes behavior.

Measuring Methods

Exchange scenarios with graded imbalance → “this is no longer ok” point.
Real relationships: when boundaries are set or ties are reduced.
Observation: compensating behavior or demanding compensation.

Empirical Anchor

Reciprocity norm (Gouldner, 1960); reciprocal altruism (Trivers, 1971); strong reciprocity (Fehr & Gächter, 2002).

Notes

Distinct from fairness sensitivity (C078): reciprocity is “between us”; fairness is rule-based “in general.”
Risks at MIN: exploitation (overgiving) or toxicity (overtaking).
Risks at MAX: petty accounting; reduced warmth.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Reciprocity Sensitivity (HES Passport C077, v1.3.2). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/C077

BibTeX

@misc{hes_C077, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Reciprocity Sensitivity}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport C077, v1.3.2}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/C077}} }