The papers in this special issue apply two recent data analytic techniques to the study of family and close peer relationships. The Actor-Partner Interdependent Model incorporates the perspectives of both participants in a dyad into analyses that describe shared and unique views of the relationship. The Social Relations Model incorporates the perspectives of all members of a group into analyses that ascribe views unique to individuals and relationships, and views shared by the entire group. Developmental applications of techniques originally designed for concurrent interdependent data are described.

An outline of how power, an inherent feature of social interactions, operates and affects close relationships.

Appropriate for use in developmental research methods or analysis of change courses, this is the first methods handbook specifically designed to meet the needs of those studying development. Leading developmental methodologists present cutting-edge analytic tools and describe how and when to use them, in accessible, nontechnical language. They also provide valuable guidance for strengthening developmental research with designs that anticipate potential sources of bias. Throughout the chapters, research examples demonstrate the procedures in action and give readers a better understanding of how to match research questions to developmental methods. The companion website (www.guilford.com/laursen-materials) supplies data and program syntax files for many of the chapter examples.

"This volume addresses the construct of dyadic coping between people in intimate relationships. By strict definition, dyadic coping involves both partners and is the interplay between the stress signals of one partner and the coping reactions of the other or a genuine act of common (shared) coping. As the chapters in this volume illustrate, the construct of dyadic coping is nuanced, interpreted differently by the chapter authors to include processes such as everyday communication, interpersonal conflict, joint problem solving, the giving and receiving of emotional support, and dealing with life stressors as a we, not just two Is. The primary aim of this book is to present current approaches on stress and coping in couples, to bring American and European contributions together, and to stimulate further fruitful scientific exchange on this topic of growing importance. Intended primarily for scholars in the field of marital research, stress and coping research, and interpersonal relationships, the book also serves as a useful reader for practitioners. As the idea of dyadic coping is a new and innovative approach in the area of marital therapy, this volume should be of interest to therapists as well"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

Close Relationships: Functions, Forms and Processes provides an overview of current theory and research in the area of close relationships, written by internationally renowned scholars whose work is at the cutting edge of research in the field. The volume consists of three sections: introductory issues, types of relationships, and relationship processes. In the first section, there is an exploration of the functions and benefits of close relationships, the diversity of methodologies used to study them, and the changing social context in which close relationships are embedded. A second section examines the various types of close relationships, including family bonds and friendships. The third section focuses on key relationship processes, including attachment, intimacy, sexuality, and conflict. This book is designed to be an essential resource for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and practitioners, and will be suitable as a resource in advanced courses dealing with the social psychology of close relationships.

Highly readable and comprehensive, this volume explores the significance of friendship for social, emotional, and cognitive development from early childhood through adolescence. The authors trace how friendships change as children age and what specific functions these relationships play in promoting adjustment and well-being. Compelling topics include the effects of individual differences on friendship quality, how friendship quality can be assessed, and ways in which certain friendships may promote negative outcomes. Examining what clinicians, educators, and parents can do to help children who struggle with making friends, the book reviews available interventions and identifies important directions for future work in the field.

Communicating Interpersonal Conflict in Close Relationships: Contexts, Challenges, and Opportunities provides a state-of-the-art review of research on conflict in close personal relationships. This volume brings together both seasoned and new voices in communication research to address the challenges in evaluating conflict. Contributors review the current state of research on themes related to power, serial arguments, interpersonal and family dynamics, physiological processes, and mechanisms of forgiveness by presenting theoretical reviews, original unpublished data-driven research, and discussions about the methodological challenges and opportunities in studying interpersonal conflict. An essential resource for graduate students and faculty interested in interpersonal conflict in close relationships between romantic partners, families, or friends, this volume is intended for advanced coursework and individual study in communication, social psychology, and close relationship scholarship.

Social Relations Modeling of Behavior in Dyads and Groups covers software, interpersonal perception (adult and children), the SRM with roles (e.g. in families), and applications to non-human research. Written in an accessible way, and for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and researchers, author Thomas E. Malloy strives to make inherently abstract material and unusual statistics understandable. As the social relations model provides a straightforward conceptual model of the components that make up behaviors in dyads and groups, this book will provide a powerful conceptual and methodological toolbox to analyze behaviors in dyads and groups across the sciences. This book is specifically designed to make this toolbox accessible - beyond interpersonal perception phenomena. It helps identify the relevant phenomena and dynamics surrounding behaviors in dyads and groups, and goes on to assess and analyze them empirically. - Captures essential conceptual and methodological topics around the scientific analyses of behaviors in groups and dyads - Situates the SRM in the history of dyadic research - Offers detailed guidance on research design and measurement operations - Organizes models and empirical results into easily read figures and tables - Demonstrates how SRM variances and covariances can be used as dependent measures in experiments - Conceptualizes novel phenomena in personality psychology using the SRM

Feeling Hurt in Close Relationships presents a synthesis of cutting-edge research and theory on hurt. Being hurt is an inevitable part of close relationships. What varies from relationship to relationship is not whether partners hurt each other, but how their relationship is affected by hurtful episodes. Given the potential influence of hurt feelings on people's interpersonal relationships, it is not surprising that scholars have begun to study the antecedents, processes, and outcomes associated with hurt. This collection integrates the various issues addressed by researchers, theorists, and practitioners who study the causes of hurt feelings, the interpersonal events associated with hurt, and the ways people respond to hurting and being hurt by others. To capture the breadth and depth of the literature in this area, the work of scholars from a variety of disciplines – including social psychology, communication, sociology, and family studies – is highlighted.