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.
Autorentext
GARTH FLETCHER, PHD, is Professor of Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
JEFFRY A. SIMPSON, PHD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Doctoral Minor in Interpersonal Relationships at the University of Minnesota, USA.
LORNE CAMPBELL, PHD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.
NICKOLA C. OVERALL, PHD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Inhalt
About the Authors xi
Preface xiii
1 Introduction: The Science of Intimate Relationships 1
The Science of Intimate Relationships: A Brief History and Analysis 2
Domains of Study 2
An Example 4
Interdisciplinary Links 4
The Relation Between Mind and Body 5
Common Sense and Pop Psychology 5
Research Methods 7
Contents of the Book 8
Summary and Conclusions 9
2 Intimate Relationships in Context: Key Theories, Concepts, and Human Nature 11
Social Psychology 12
A Brief History 12
Interdependence Theory 13
Evolutionary
Psychology 15
Darwin 15
Darwinian Evolutionary Theory 16
Selection for Survival 16
Sexual Selection 17
Parental Investment Theory 18
Key Features of Evolutionary Psychology 19
Human Nature and Genes 20
What is Human Nature? 21
Life History Theory 22
Goals of Life History Theory 22
Life History Mysteries and the Critical Role of Tradeoffs 22
The Strange Nature of Human Development 24
Of Human Bondage 24
Humans are Cultural Animals 26
Summary and Conclusions 28
3 The Intimate Relationship Mind 31
Relationship Goals 32
Lay Relationship Theories 33
General Lay Theories 34
A Case Study: Attribution Theory 34
SelfEsteem 36
General Relationship Lay Theories 37
Local Relationship Theories 38
Self Theories 39
Relationship Evaluations 39
The Functions of Lay Relationship Theories: Back to the Goals 40
OnLine Cognitive Processing: Unconscious and Automatic Versus Conscious and Controlled 42
When Do People Think Consciously About Relationships? 43
Evidence for This Distinction 44
Role of Stored Relationship Theories 44
SelfRegulation 45
Interlude and a Caveat 46
Emotions in Relationships 47
Functions of Emotions 47
Lay Emotion Theories and Scripts 47
Basic Emotions 48
Do Emotions Get in the Way of Rational Thought? 50
The Distal Origins of the Intimate Relationship Mind: Evolution and Culture 51
Summary and Conclusions 53
4 The Intimate Relationship Body 55
Why Sexual Reproduction? 56
Human Genitalia and Their Origins 57
The Human Body and Behavior are Windows into Our Mating Past 59
Orgasms, Nipples, Adaptations, and ByProducts 61
Hormones, Sex, and Relationships 62
Sex Hormones 63
Cuddle Hormones 66
Fight or Flight Hormones 67
The Relationship Brain 67
Social Cognition and the Brain 69
The Prefrontal Cortex 69
Emotions and Cognitions Work Together 69
Controlled Versus Automatic Processing 71
Bonding and Love 71
The Cuddle Hormones as Neurotransmitters 71
The Dopamine System 73
Summary 73
Summary and Conclusions 74
5 Intimate Relationships and Health 77
The Impact of Divorce on Children 78
The Path from an Unstable Family Life in Childhood to Health Problems in Adulthood 78
Are LongTerm Relationships Good for You? 80
A Crucial Caveat: It Depends on Relationship Quality 81
Protective Relationship Factors and Health Outcomes 85
Divorce, Partner Loss, and Health Outcomes 86
Summary and Conclusions 89
6 Born to Bond: From Infancy to Adulthood 91
Attachment Theory 92
Brief Historical Overview 92
Normative Features of Attachment 94
MotherInfant Synchrony 94
Keeping Close 95
Four Phases of Development 95
Individual Differences in Attachment 96
Attachment in Adolescence and A...