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9494 results in Social psychology

Page 164 of 475

  • 1 - Promoting intimacy: strategies suggested by the appetitive side

  • from Part I - Major theoretical perspectives
  • Edited by C. Raymond Knee, University of Houston, Harry T. Reis, University of Rochester, New York
  • Book:
    Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development
    Published online:
    05 April 2016
    Print publication:
    08 April 2016, pp 3-29

  • Summary

    Few people enter intimate relationships for the intended purpose of avoiding conflict, yet much of the existing literature on maintaining intimacy focuses on preventing or overcoming destructive patterns of communication and interaction. This work has made numerous important contributions to knowledge and interventions, but it addresses only one side of the relevant relationship processes, namely the aversive side. In this chapter, we propose that the appetitive side -- the processes that describe how people pursue positively valenced goals -- provides a unique and informative window on intimacy. The appetitive side of intimacy reflects not merely the absence of aversive factors, but rather a unique set of processes and phenomena. We review several examples that show how appetitive processes contribute to the development and maintenance of intimacy, and we discuss how each of them can suggest novel approaches to intervention. In a broader sense, the goal of the chapter is to stimulate contemporary theorizing and intervention strategies to elaborate and incorporate not only the processes that make romantic relationships deteriorate but also the processes that allow them to thrive.

  • 3 - Attachment theory as a framework for the promotion of optimal relationships

  • from Part I - Major theoretical perspectives
  • Edited by C. Raymond Knee, University of Houston, Harry T. Reis, University of Rochester, New York
  • Book:
    Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development
    Published online:
    05 April 2016
    Print publication:
    08 April 2016, pp 56-78

  • Summary

    One basic tenet of attachment theory is that interactions with loving, caring, and supportive relationship partners and the resulting sense of attachment security (confidence that one is socially valued and that others will be available and helpful when needed) are building blocks of mental health and social adjustment. Moreover, attachment theory provides a valuable conceptual framework for the study of optimal relationship development. In this chapter, we first present a brief overview of attachment theory and our model of attachment processes in adulthood, an extension of Bowlby’s theory that is now supported by 25 years of research by personality and social psychologists. Next, we focus on the anchoring of attachment security in expectations concerning relationship partners’ sensitivity and responsiveness (expectations organized within a secure-base script), and review research findings showing that the sense of security is associated with positive appraisals of self and others and with social adjustment. We then review studies of dating and marital relationships showing that dispositional and experimentally induced feelings of security can transform otherwise destructive reactions to relationship partners’ undesirable, hurtful behavior, improve a person’s handling of interpersonal conflict, foster empathy and support for a partner in need, and promote positive relational emotions.

  • 11 - For better or worse: compassionate goals create good relationships in good times and bad

  • from Part II - Concepts and mechanisms
  • Edited by C. Raymond Knee, University of Houston, Harry T. Reis, University of Rochester, New York
  • Book:
    Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development
    Published online:
    05 April 2016
    Print publication:
    08 April 2016, pp 232-256

  • Summary

    Intentions toward relationship partners—specifically, compassionate goals to be constructive and supportive—are a key to creating good relationships. When people strive to be supportive and constructive toward their relationship partners, they tend to become more supportive and responsive over time. Their relationship partners notice and respond in kind, becoming more supportive and responsive themselves. Over time, the mutual support and responsiveness that these intentions foster improve the quality of relationships for both people. Thus, intentions to be supportive and constructive can be the starting point of creating good relationships and can result in increased self-esteem, greater feelings of security in the relationship, and less concern about rejection. Furthermore, goals to be constructive and supportive foster good relationships regardless of one’s level of self-esteem, attachment insecurity, or sensitivity to rejection. They do so for a variety of relationship types, from relationships between previously unacquainted college roommates, to romantic couples, and they do so in good times and in bad times, when issues and conflicts arise. By carefully setting their intentions toward relationship partners, people can create the good relationships they want.

  • 10 - For it is in giving that we receive: the benefits of sacrifice in relationships

  • from Part II - Concepts and mechanisms
  • Edited by C. Raymond Knee, University of Houston, Harry T. Reis, University of Rochester, New York
  • Book:
    Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development
    Published online:
    05 April 2016
    Print publication:
    08 April 2016, pp 211-231

  • Summary

    In this chapter, we review the most recent research on sacrifice in romantic relationships, emphasizing the crucial role that sacrifice plays in optimal relationship development and maintenance. Sacrifice is defined as forgoing immediate self-interest and incurring costs to the self—either by giving up something desirable, such as time or money, or by doing something undesirable—in order to benefit their romantic partner. We review research showing that the willingness to sacrifice can convey that partners are invested in and care about their relationships. We show that approach-motivated sacrifices often have positive consequences, whereas sacrifices made for avoidance motives often have negative consequences for both giver and recipient. Given that when partners make sacrifices for each other, they are likely to experience some negative emotions due to incurring personal costs, it is not beneficial to try to suppress or conceal these emotions from one’s partner, as suppression is associated with poorer relationship quality as reported by both members of the couple. We conclude the chapter by discussing future directions for research on sacrifice, including research on the temporal component of sacrifice as well as individual variation in how people make the decision to sacrifice for a romantic partner.

  • 6 - The positive implications of sex for relationships

  • from Part II - Concepts and mechanisms
  • Edited by C. Raymond Knee, University of Houston, Harry T. Reis, University of Rochester, New York
  • Book:
    Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development
    Published online:
    05 April 2016
    Print publication:
    08 April 2016, pp 124-147

  • Summary

    Sexuality is a key factor that distinguishes and shapes romantic relationships. In this chapter, we present evidence demonstrating the importance of sexuality in romantic relationships with a particular focus on the ways in which sex can positively impact such relationships. To this end, we describe the role of both sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction in shaping relationship quality. We also review research that sheds light on how couples can stave off declines or changes in sexual desire over time, as well as maintain sexual satisfaction during times when they have conflicting sexual interests. To this end, we focus our attention on understanding the motivational and cognitive influences important to the maintenance of desire and sexual satisfaction over time, as well as the individual differences and relationship factors that contribute to satisfying sexual relationships. We then conclude the chapter by highlighting what we see as promising directions for future research on sex and relationships.

  • 12 - Synchrony in positive social relationships

  • from Part II - Concepts and mechanisms
  • Edited by C. Raymond Knee, University of Houston, Harry T. Reis, University of Rochester, New York
  • Book:
    Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development
    Published online:
    05 April 2016
    Print publication:
    08 April 2016, pp 257-278

  • Summary

    This chapter examines synchrony—the spontaneous emergence of coordinated movements between two or more people—as a nonverbal behavior that is essential to optimal relationship development. Whereas much past research focuses on localized displays or behaviors, like smiling and laughing, as indicators of a positive relationship, this chapter takes a Gestalt approach to understanding healthy, high-quality social interactions. The chapter starts with an in-depth definition and description of synchrony, followed by a review of findings showing that synchrony and positive relationships are positively associated with one another. In addition to the chapter’s review on behavioral synchrony, it also touches on other forms of synchrony (i.e., emotional, cognitive, and physiological) and their associated outcomes. The review culminates in the proposal of a new theory called the Superconductor Theory of Relationships, which offers a unifying framework for thinking about the various forms of synchrony to facilitate social relationships. The chapter closes with a discussion of synchrony more generally and its relationship with interpersonal negativity; finally, it poses open questions, inviting fellow scholars to look into the phenomenon of synchrony, which still has much left to be known in the world of relationships.

Page 164 of 475