The Mating Game; A Primer on Love, Sex, and Marriage

by Pamela C. Regan

• ISBN13: 9781412957052
• ISBN10: 1412957052
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-02-20
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

" The Mating Game is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, introductory text about human mating relationships aimed specifically at a university audience. It progresses beyond a psychological or biological/physiological stance and encompasses a wide array of disciplines. The comprehensive review and up-to-date information contained in The Mating Game not only provides answers to questions about important life events but also encourages readers' interest in the field of interpersonal relationships and human mating. -SirReadaLot.org The Mating Game: A Primer on Love, Sex, and Marriage, Second Edition , is the only comprehensive, multidisciplinary, introductory text about human mating relationships aimed specifically at a university audience. It progresses beyond a psychological or biological/physiological stance and encompasses a wide array of disciplines. This comprehensive review of theory and empirical research takes an integrated perspective on the fundamental human experiences of love and sex. Strongly grounded in methodology and research design, author Pamela C. Regan offers relevant examples and anecdotes along with ample pedagogy that will spark debate and discussion on these provocative and complex topics.   New to the Second Edition  Freshly presented material, with reorganized text that provides a smoother transition between major sections Reviews of the most recent theoretical and empirical work in the areas of love, sexuality, mate selection, and marriage  New information on the phenomenon of 'œcyber-flirting' and the development of romantic relationships over the Internet  Inclusion of cutting-edge biochemistry research, including a discussion of cutting-edge research on the biochemistry of passion and affection  Discussion of emerging research on non-heterosexual relationships and cross-cultural dynamics  Expanded chapters on critical topics and an important new chapter on relationship interventionIntended Audience This text is ideal for upper level undergraduate or graduate students in psychology, family studies, and sociology, who will find this engaging text a valuable tool for course-related research activities, as well as for self-awareness.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Mating Relationships

Mate Preferences

Theoretical Approaches to Human Mating

Methods Used to Examine Mate Preferences

Empirical Evidence

Continuing Debates

Summary

Attraction and Courtship

Communicating Romantic Interest

The First Date

Beyond the First Date: Initiating a Romantic Relationship

Pathways to Commitment

Summary

Relationship Development

The Sequence of Relationship Development

The Process of Relationship Development

Summary

Marriage and Mate Selection

Mating Systems Across Cultures

The Nature of Marriage

Division of Labor

Marital Satisfaction: How Happy are Married Couples?

Has Marriage Changed Over Time?

Same-Sex Marriage

Cohabitation: An Alternative to Marriage

Summary

Conflict and Dissolution

Conflict

Relationship Dissolution

Summary

Intervention

Identifying Distressed Relationships

Treating Distressed Relationships

Does Therapy Work?

Summary

Love

General Theories of Love

The Triangular Theory of Love

The Colors (Styles) of Love

The Prototype Approach: Mental Models of Love

Summary

Passionate and Companionate Love

Passionate Love: A "Sexy" Kind of Love

Companionate Love: A "Sturdy" Kind of Love

Summary

Love Gone Bad: Problematic Aspects of Love

Unrequited Passionate Love

Obsession and Relational Stalking

Mismatched Love Styles

Loss of Passion

Summary

Sex

Sexual Attitudes

Beliefs About Sex in Dating Relationships

Beliefs About Sex in Marital Relationships

Summary

Sex in Beginning Relationships

Sexuality and the Attraction Process

Sexuality in Beginning Relationships

Summary

Sex in Established Relationships

Sexual Frequency

Sexual Practices

Sexual Preferences

Sexual Satisfaction

Sexual Communication

Sexuality and Relationship Satisfaction

Summary

Sex Gone Bad: Problematic Aspects of Relational Sex

Sexual Dissatisfaction

Sexual Aggression

Sexual Infidelity

Sexual Jealousy

Summary

Individual Differences

Maleness and Femaleness

Biological Sex

Psychological Gender or Sex Role Orientation

Summary

Personality

Supertraits

Self-Monitoring

Sociosexual Orientation

Summary

Chapter16. Interpersonal Belief Systems

Attachment Styles

Rejection Sensitivity

Romanticism

Summary

Concluding Remarks

References

Author Index

Subject Index

About the Author

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