Minding the Close Relationship: A Theory of Relationship Enhancement

This volume provides a statement of a new theory of how committed romantic partners can maintain and enhance their close relationships over an extended period. It blends the relationship scholarship on closeness with practical advice and comparison of minding with several other major theories of how to maintain closeness. Minding is a package of reciprocal thought, feeling and behaviour and involves components of behaviour aimed at knowing and being known by one’s partner, attribution about one’s partner and the relationship, respect, acceptance and a never-ending commitment to the process. Minding the Close Relationship will serve as a supplementary textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses in social psychology, communication, family studies, and clinical and counselling psychology.

• John Harvey is a major figure in the field of relationships, and his name will sell the book • Integrates research with practical implications • Includes interesting research based in Romania

Preface and acknowledgements; 1. Introduction to the minding concept; 2. Minding: definition and components; 3. Knowing and being known by one’s partner; 4. Attributions in close relationships; 5. Acceptance, respect, reciprocity, and continuity; 6. Beginnings and endings; 7. Minding in the close relationship literature; 8. Minding and other major concepts of closeness; 9. Evidence about minding in close relationships; 10. An international perspective on minding; 11. Minding in couples therapy and counseling; 12. Limitations and future directions; References; Index.

International Society for the Study of Personal Relationships New Contribution Award 1999 - Winner