Understanding Marriage Family And Intimate Relationships

This introductory textbook is for students who are interested in learning about and establishing healthy marriage, family, and intimate relationships. With divorce rates high and relationships fragile, books and courses are needed that help students address important issues regarding relationships. The readers of this text examine many important and relevant issues through the lens of theory and research and do so using a written format that is readable, understandable, and easy to apply to oneís life. It was written so that each chapter has information that readers will find helpful as they attempt to establish and maintain meaningful, healthy relationships. There are questions throughout each chapter that help readers focus not only on the material but also on how the material relates to their present and past relationship and family situations. The text provides material on the research of John Gottman, the object relations theory of Harville Hendrix, the solution- focused approach of Michele Weiner-Davis, and the PREP approach to conflict management of Markman, Stanley, and Blumberg. These and other topics discussed are very relevant to studentsí concerns and are addressed in greater depth than found in most other texts. The emphasis is not just on couple relationships but also on family relationships. Therefore, in this book there is extensive coverage of family systems theory and the influence of family rules and family structure on the development of families. There is also material on how change produces transitions in family life that must be assimilated into the family structureófor example, when a couple has their first child. Thus, both couple and family issues are addressed throughout the book. For instructors who want to focus their courses on marriage, family, and intimate relationships, this book would be an ideal choice. A study guide for students and instructional material for instructors can be obtained by visiting www.understandingrelationships.net.

A introductory text describing changes in intimate relationships over the life span, with sections on social and psychological perspectives, the nature of intimate relationships, marriage and family relationships, the family as a unit, and conflict in marriage. Discussions photos emphasize diversity

Although based on Melville's "Marriage and Family Today", this edition has been re-organized to reflect the diversity of families in society. The new material is research-oriented and includes chapters on power and family violence, stress, interpersonal lifestyles and single-parent families.

Volume numbers determined from Scope of the guidelines, p. 12-13.

This introduction to marriages and families accentuates the positive aspects of relationships and focuses on enriching students' knowledge and experience in building strong, successful couple and family relationships. The authors, both seasoned family scholars and therapists, integrate research, theory, and practical application with an interdisciplinary perspective on marriage and family.