Psychology of Intimate Relationships

This course is an overview of classic and contemporary theory and research on the psychology of intimate relationships, focusing primarily on romantic relationships. This course approaches the topic of close relationships from a psychological viewpoint, such as the examination of individual psychological processes, as well as the psychological underpinnings and scientific study of intimate relationships. As such, this course will cover theoretical perspectives, research methods, attraction, social cognition, interdependency, friendship, love, stressors in a relationship (e.g. infidelity, jealousy), relationship maintenance, conflict and conflict resolution, and dissolution. A review of the current literature (i.e., primary source articles) surrounding such topics will be an integral part of the course.