Abstract: The nature of adult close, communal, relationships is outlined. We define high quality, close, adult relationships in terms of the interpersonal processes that, ideally, characterize them rather than in terms of stability, satisfaction, or lack of conflict. We explain why it is desirable to define them in the former rather than the latter manner. Then, factors that result in people being attracted to one another and that motivate them to form such relationships are reviewed. Next, processes involved in initiating such relationships and the importance of, eventual, commitment to relational functioning are discussed. Placement of a communal relationship within a larger hierarchically arranged set of relationships is also discussed. Finally, we briefly touch on how a lack of trust in a potential or existing communal partner undermines the quality of these relationships.
Publication Year: 2015
Publication Date: 2015-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 10
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