Overview of Relationships Research

Relationships researchers come from a wide variety of disciplines. For example, relationships research is conducted in communications, anthropology, neuropsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and evolutionary psychology. Some relationships researchers study parent-child interactions, while others study the dynamics between adults (e.g. friendships or romantic relationships).

Relationships research can be divided up into two main categories. Some research is focused on "normative processes" - processes that are typical in most or all relationships. Other research is focused on "individual differences" - processes that are more prevalent among certain types of people than others. For example, individuals with an avoidant attachment style are less likely to seek effective support from their romantic partner than are individuals who do not have an avoidant attachment style.

As you have probably noticed, there is a lot of information in the media, in bookstores, and on talk shows about romantic relationship functioning. While some of this information stems from scientific research, some of it does not. Although there is useful information that can be learned from personal opinions and personal stories, the most trustworthy information comes from actual scientific evidence. Accordingly, you should always be aware of the source of the information you are hearing, reading, watching, etc.

Below is a short list of recommended readings if you are interested in learning about scientific perspectives on close relationships:

Agnew, C. R., Van Lange, P. A. M., Rusbult, C. E., & Langston, C. A. (1998). Cognitive interdependence: Commitment and the mental representation of close relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74, 939-954.

Aron, A., Aron, E. N., Tudor, M.,& Nelson, G. (1991). Close relationships as including other in the self. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 241-253. Clark, M., & Mills, J. (1993). The difference between communal and exchange relationships: What it is and is not. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 19, 684-691

Downey, G., Freitas, A. L., Michaelis, B., & Khouri, H. (1998). The self-fulfilling prophecy in close relationships: Rejection sensitivity and rejection by romantic partners. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75, 545-560.

Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. R. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 511-524.

Holmes, J. (2002). Interpersonal expectations as the building blocks of social cognition: An interdependence theory perspective. Personal Relationships, 9, 1-26.

Murray, S. L., Holmes, J. G., & Collins, N. L. (2006). Optimizing assurance: The risk regulation system in close relationships. Psychological Bulletin, 132(5), 641-666.

International Association for Relationships Research

Journal of Personal Relationships

University home page

Psychology department home page

Human Subjects Committee

 Society for Personality and Social Psychology

Social Psychology Network

Social Psychology Wikipedia