The Science of Intimate Relationships

The Science of Intimate Relationships, 2nd Edition, is an academic textbook examining the psychological, biological, and social foundations of close human partnerships. The text synthesizes core research in social and evolutionary psychology to address how interpersonal bonds form, function, and endure.

Coverage bridges multiple disciplines by incorporating insights from cognitive science, anthropology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology. The volume addresses central subjects such as mate selection, attachment theory, communication, love, sex, relationship dissolution, violence, mind-reading, and the relationship brain.

Designed for upper-level undergraduate courses, this edition incorporates new chapters on health and extended social networks, reflecting feedback from instructors who taught with the previous edition.