Psychological perspectives on partnering

Abstract

Relationship science is an interdisciplinary field that covers the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of partnering. In this chapter, we discuss evolutionary perspectives, attachment theory, interdependence theory, and stress models. Together these theoretical perspectives contribute with influences on partnering and relationship behaviors that are both more distal and more proximate to the ongoing processes between partners. We then address changes over time within the relationship and how major life events affect such changes (e.g. transition to parenthood). Life events generally involve a relationship transition that may be stressful and disruptive because it requires that partners address the challenges and demands of the event and redefine their relationship and find a new equilibrium. Life events can lead to changes in relationship quality and stability depending on the couple’s resources, vulnerabilities, and mutual adaptation. We end with future directions and implications for the development of psychological theories within relationship science.