Personality and Close Relationship Processes

This book integrates personality theories and research on attitudes, traits, values, motives, emotions, and moods as influences on close relationship processes.

Stanley O. Gaines, Jr (Author)

9781107524750, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 November 2018

258 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 1.3 cm, 0.38 kg

Few observers of relationship dynamics would dispute the claim of interdependence theorists that a defining feature of close relationships is the extent to which partners influence each other's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. However, partners do not behave simply in response to each other's behavior; both partners in a given relationship bring themselves - indeed, their selves - into the relationship as well. Not only are individuals' selves enormously complex and rich in content, but so too are the multitude of personality characteristics, including traits, values, attitudes, motives, and emotions, that contribute to selves' richness. Gaines, Jr provides a major integration of research on personality with research on relationship science, and demonstrates how personality constructs can be readily incorporated into the two most influential theories of close relationships: attachment theory and interdependence theory. This study will be of value to scholars in the fields of close relationships, personality psychology, communication studies, and family studies.

Part I. Introduction: 1. Behaviorist foundations of the field of close relationships
Part II. Self and Personality Constructs as Reflected in Close Relationship Processes: 2. The self as reflected in close relationship processes
3. Traits as reflected in close relationship processes
4. Values as reflected in close relationship processes
5. Attitudes as reflected in close relationship processes
6. Motives as reflected in close relationship processes
7. Emotions as reflected in close relationship processes
Part III. Conclusion: 8. Taking stock of the literature on personality and close relationship processes.

Subject Areas: Family psychology [JMF], Humanistic psychology [JMAN], Behavioural theory [Behaviourism JMAL], Psychological theory & schools of thought [JMA], Psychology [JM]