Relationships are among the most important human endeavors and play a central role in human behavior, emotion, and well-being. Too long neglected by the research community, the past few decades have seen rapid increases in the amount and sophistication of research designed to understand the processes that govern the initiation, development, maintenance, and deterioration of relationships. This collection includes both classic and contemporary approaches to some of the most important and influential issues in the study of relationships.The articles in this reader were selected and edited for readability, interest, and centrality to the empirical study of relationship processes. The reader provides a timely and thorough introduction to the theories, questions, methods, and findings of social-psychological research on relationship processes. Suitable for both graduate and undergraduate students, it might be used as a supplement in social psychology courses or as source material in courses and seminars concerned with relationships. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.