Dynamics of Romantic Love: Attachment, Caregiving, and Sex

by Mario Mikulincer (editor), Gail S. Goodman (Editor)

A theoretically and empirically rich exploration of universal questions, this book examines the interplay of three distinct behavioral systems involved in romantic love. Leading attachment researchers are joined by proponents of other perspectives, including interdependence theory and self-expansion theory, to review the current state of knowledge in the field. Presented are compelling new studies that address intimacy, jealousy, self-disclosure, sexual behavior, partner violence, and other processes in both satisfying and dysfunctional relationships. Special topics include gender differences in attachment as well as attachment dynamics within same-sex couples.

Genres: Relationships, Psychology

466 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2006

Reviews

[Henne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting multi-author collection of academic writing on a wide range of topics in social psychology and beyond, all relating to romantic love. Includes both empirical work and critical perspectives. The chapters are mostly high quality (i.e. readable) prose, and for the lay reader, there's much to think about. The downside to this being the culmination of decades of work is that there aren't too many others contributing research in this space. I wish there could be many more books like this one.

[Tom Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to get through, but probably one of the most comprehensive books I've seen on the psychology of love.