Positive approaches to optimal relationship development / edited by C. Raymond Knee and Harry T. Reis.

Online resource; title from PDF title page (EBSCO, viewed September 19, 2016).

"How can we get the most out of our close relationships? Research in the area of personal relationships continues to grow, but most prior work has emphasized how to overcome negative aspects. This volume demonstrates that a good relationship is more than simply the absence of a bad relationship, and that establishing and maintaining optimal relationships entails enacting a set of processes that are distinct from merely avoiding negative or harmful behaviors. Drawing on recent relationship science to explore issues such as intimacy, attachment, passion, sacrifice, and compassionate goals, the essays in this volume emphasize the positive features that allow relationships to flourish. In doing so, they integrate several theoretical perspectives, concepts, and mechanisms that produce optimal relationships. The volume also includes a section on intensive and abbreviated interventions that have been empirically validated to be effective in promoting the positive features of close relationships"-- Provided by publisher.

"This volume demonstrates that a good relationship is more than simply the absence of a bad relationship, and that establishing and maintaining optimal relationships entails enacting a set of processes that are distinct from merely avoiding negative or harmful behaviors. Drawing on recent relationship science to explore issues such as intimacy, attachment, passion, sacrifice, and compassionate goals, the essays in this volume emphasize the positive features that allow relationships to flourish. In doing so, they integrate several theoretical perspectives, concepts, and mechanisms that produce optimal relationships. The volume also includes a section on intensive and abbreviated interventions that have been empirically validated to be effective in promoting the positive features of close relationships"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references.

Cover ; Half-title page; Series page; Title page; Copyright page; Contents; Figures and tables; Contributors; Preface; Part I Major theoretical perspectives; 1 Promoting intimacy: strategies suggested by the appetitive side; 2 Optimal relationships as mutual fulfillment of self-determination theory's basic psychological needs; 3 Attachment theory as a framework for the promotion of optimal relationships; 4 The self-expansion model and optimal relationship development; Part II Concepts and mechanisms; 5 Capitalization: the good news about close relationships.

6 The positive implications of sex for relationships7 The power of diagnostic situations: how support and conflict can foster growth and security; 8 The role of passion in optimal relationships; 9 The dyadic nature of ideal and partner perceptions in romantic relationships; 10 For it is in giving that we receive: the benefits of sacrifice in relationships; 11 For better or worse: compassionate goals create good relationships in good times and bad; 12 Synchrony in positive social relationships; Part III Effective interventions; 13 Effective interventions for optimal relationships.

14 Forgiveness interventions for optimal close relationships: problems and prospects15 Brief interventions to strengthen relationships and prevent dissolution; Index.

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