Includes index.

Contents: The Social context of intimate relationships -- Perspectives on intimate relationships -- Cultural diversity: family strengths and challenges -- Understanding marriage and family dynamics -- Dynamics of intimate relationships -- Communication and intimacy -- Conflict and conflict resolution -- Sexual intimacy -- Gender roles and power in the family -- Managing economic resources -- Stages of intimate relationships -- Friendship, intimacy, and singlehood -- Dating, mate selection, and living together -- Marriage: building a strong foundation -- Parenthood: choices and challenges -- Midlife and older couples -- Challenges and opportunities -- Stress, abuse, and family problems -- Divorce, single-parent families, and stepfamilies -- Strengthening marriages and families -- Appendix A: Couple and family scales -- Appendix B: Family science and family research methods -- Appendix C: Contraception and abortion options -- Appendix D: Pregnancy and childbirth.