The Handbook Of Sexuality In Close Relationships

Although sexuality is an integral part of close romantic relationships, research linking these two constructs is to some extent under developed. The editors' goal is to integrate this research into one volume with the hope that the book will serve as a forum for enhancement of dialogue about the centrality of sexual issues in close relationships.

This is one of the first volumes to examine the interface between research undertaken in sexuality and that in close relationships from a social psychological perspective. Experts from several different disciplines offer chapters that contain theory, extant literature, and their own original research on such topics as jealousy, extradyadic sexuality, communication, love, and sexual coercion. Aimed at a fairly wide audience, this book will be of interest to students, faculty, and other professionals in social psychology, sociology, communication, and family and women's studies. It is also a valuable source of information for teachers, researchers, and clinicians working in the areas of human sexuality and/or close relationships.

With the premise that close relationships are subjected to extraordinary scrutiny in contemporary society, the authors go on to say that this generation values individual fulfilment more than any before us. We are able to leave existing relationships with relative ease, demand a high level of satisfaction from our intimate relationships, and are frustrated at those times when we fail to achieve it.; This volume presents a range Of Theoretical And Clinical Approaches To Understanding And Promoting relationship satisfaction. Integrating findings from social, clinical and counselling psychology, researchers illuminate what it means to be satisfied within a love relationship and identify the factors that allow couples to create successful relationships over time.

This multidisciplinary text introduces the concepts, methodologies, theories, and empirical findings of the field of interpersonal relationships. Information is drawn from psychology, communication, family studies, marriage and family therapy, social work, sociology, anthropology, the health sciences, and other disciplines. Numerous examples capture readers’ attention by demonstrating how the material is relevant to their lives. Active learning is encouraged throughout. Each chapter includes an outline to guide students, key terms and definitions to help identify critical concepts, and exploration exercises to promote active thinking. Many chapters include measurement instruments that students can take and score themselves. A website for instructors features a test bank with multiple-choice and essay questions and Power Points for each chapter. This text distinguishes itself with: Its focus on family and friend relationships as well as romantic relationships. Its multidisciplinary perspective highlighting the contributions to the field from a wide array of disciplines. Its review of the relationship experiences of a variety of people (of different age groups and cultures; heterosexual and homosexual) and relationship types (dating, cohabiting, marriage, friendships, family relationships). Its focus on methodology and research design with an emphasis on how to interpret empirical findings and engage in the research process. Cutting-edge research on "cyber-flirting" and online relationship formation; the biochemical basis of love; communication and social support; bullying and peer aggression; obsession and relational stalking; sexual violence (and marital rape); and grief and bereavement. The book opens by examining the fundamental principles of relationship science along with the research methods commonly used. The uniquely social nature of humans is then explored including the impact relationships have on health and well-being. Part 2 focuses on relationship development—from attraction to initiation to development and maintenance as well as the factors that guide mate choice and marriage. The development of relationships in both friendships and romantic partnerships is explored. Part 3 examines the processes that shape our interpersonal experiences, including cognitive (thinking) and affective (feeling) processes, communicative and supportive processes, and the dynamics of love and sex. The book concludes with relationship challenges—rejection and betrayal; aggression and violence; conflict and loss; and therapeutic interventions. Intended as a text for courses in interpersonal/close relationships taught in psychology, communication, sociology, anthropology, human development, family studies, marriage and family therapy, and social work, practitioners interested in the latest research on personal relationships will also appreciate this engaging overview of the field.

This portrait of sexuality in close relationships presents an extensive examination of current theory and research. Contributors pay particular attention to sexual attitudes, behaviour, satisfaction and coercion, and discuss sexual patterns in several types of sexual relationship: dating, cohabiting, marital and homosexual. They show how sexual aspects of these relationships are related to other characteristics such as love and communication. Drawing material from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, communication and family studies, the volume also explores sexual standards, predictors of sexual attraction, sexual scripts, the initiation of sex and negotiating safe-sex behaviours.

Close Relationships: Functions, Forms and Processes provides an overview of current theory and research in the area of close relationships, written by internationally renowned scholars whose work is at the cutting edge of research in the field. The volume consists of three sections: introductory issues, types of relationships, and relationship processes. In the first section, there is an exploration of the functions and benefits of close relationships, the diversity of methodologies used to study them, and the changing social context in which close relationships are embedded. A second section examines the various types of close relationships, including family bonds and friendships. The third section focuses on key relationship processes, including attachment, intimacy, sexuality, and conflict. This book is designed to be an essential resource for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and practitioners, and will be suitable as a resource in advanced courses dealing with the social psychology of close relationships.

Provides a unique interdisciplinary approach to the science of intimate human relationships This newly updated edition of a popular text is the first to present a full-blooded interdisciplinary and theoretically coherent approach to the latest scientific findings relating to human sexual relationships. Written by recognized leaders in the field in a style that is rigorous yet accessible, it looks beyond the core knowledge in social and evolutionary psychology to incorporate material and perspectives from cognitive science (including brain-imaging studies), developmental psychology, anthropology, comparative psychology, clinical psychology, genetic research, sociology, and biology. Written by an international team of acclaimed experts in the field, The Science of Intimate Relationships offers a wealth of thought-provoking ideas and insights into the science behind the initiation, maintenance, and termination of romantic relationships. The 2nd Edition features two new chapters on health and relationships, and friends and family, both of which shed new light on the complex links among human nature, culture, and romantic love. It covers key topics such as mate selection, attachment theory, love, communication, sex, relationship dissolution, violence, mind-reading, and the relationship brain. Provides a coherent and theoretically integrative approach to the subject of intimate relationships Offers an interdisciplinary perspective that looks beyond social and evolutionary psychology to many other scientific fields of study Includes two new chapters on ‘Relationships and Health’ and ‘Friends and Family’, added in response to feedback from professors who have used the textbook with their classes Presented by recognized leaders in the field of relationships Features PowerPoint slides and an online Teaching Handbook The Science of Intimate Relationships, 2nd Edition is designed for upper-level undergraduate students of human sexuality, psychology, anthropology, and other related fields.

What makes for strong and enduring relationships? It is a question of increasing scientific and popular interest as it has become clear that relationships can make life happier, healthier, and longer. In this collection, the reader will find an overview of state-of-the-art research on this question and a glimpse of the new directions that will define the future of this field of study. With contributions from leading scholars in the field, the book offers cutting-edge perspectives on the factors and processes that contribute to strong, thriving, and resilient close relationships. Split into three parts, the first part discusses important factors and processes contributing to strong relational bonds in the form of different types of relationships. The second part spotlights contexts such as culture and gender as the domain for future advances in this area of research. Finally, the last part covers data analytic techniques and future directions. Offering a unique perspective on each topic covered, the authors highlight the promising next steps which will inspire advances in the field in the years to come. Bringing together important trends from different areas of research, this text will make a significant contribution to social psychology and is essential for students and academics interested in the psychology of relationships.