Close Relationships

by Pamela Regan

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: 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Egres Rib · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of research on relationships is presented in this book. It helps understand what relationship is, what kinds there are, how it changes and why.
Relationships are complex and we should do our best to become knowledgable about their functioning to have a chance of managing them.
This book alone probably doesn't give the full set of instruments to achieve your relationship goals but instead gives the scientific basis for understanding the processes.
I think it should be accompanied with some other books which focus on solving some of the practical problems mentioned in this book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book on interpersonal relationships. Lots of research is presented in an easily understood way. I took Dr. Regan's class and loved it. She really knows what she is talking about

[Haytham Badawey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the best books on relationships is this valuable book by the author Pamela Regan. I will probably use this book as a reference for the rest of my life, along with another similarly helpful book titled "intimate relationship", those two books are all you need to understand everything about relationships.

This book is priceless, I am planning to re-read it tens of times, in sha'a Allah. And I also am planning to use it as a reference for my own writings in the field of close and intimate relationships.