Feeling Hurt in Close Relationships presents a synthesis of cutting-edge research and theory on hurt. Being hurt is an inevitable part of close relationships. What varies from relationship to relationship is not whether partners hurt each other, but how their relationship is affected by hurtful episodes. Given the potential influence of hurt feelings on people's interpersonal relationships, it is not surprising that scholars have begun to study the antecedents, processes, and outcomes associated with hurt. This collection integrates the various issues addressed by researchers, theorists, and practitioners who study the causes of hurt feelings, the interpersonal events associated with hurt, and the ways people respond to hurting and being hurt by others. To capture the breadth and depth of the literature in this area, the work of scholars from a variety of disciplines – including social psychology, communication, sociology, and family studies – is highlighted.

“In this volume, Anita Vangelisti, a pioneer in the study of hurt in close relationships, brings together a host of leading scholars to analyze theory and research on this neglected topic. The volume reflects a plethora of contexts and populations in which hurt occurs. We learn that hurt is pervasive in human life and involves fundamental qualities such as the perceived loss of security and safety, along the dimension of whether a person's behavior is seen as intentional or not. The book should be a valuable reference work for scholars, practitioners, and teachers in graduate and undergraduate courses and in diverse fields, including communication studies, family studies, various areas of psychology and sociology, and social work. Overall, the book will elevate the concept of hurt, with its many nuances and implications, to a much greater status in the field of close relationships.”
– John H. Harvey, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of Iowa

“In this important new volume, Anita Vangelisti has assembled a simply outstanding group of contributors, representing the leading scientists in the field of interpersonal relations. Feeling Hurt in Close Relationships is especially timely because of the strong focus on experiences of rejection in recent theory and research. The book presents an exciting and cutting-edge treatment of this very significant topic.”
– John G. Holmes, University of Waterloo, Canada

“This volume is unquestionably THE authoritative work on the topic and likely to be so for years to come. Vangelisti has assembled a cast of prominent international experts from several academic disciplines to view hurt feelings with varied lenses.”
– Sally Planalp, University of Utah

"...The book opens up areas of exploration and action that bring scholarship down to earth and support good clinical practice... The book is meant for graduate students, scholars, researchers, and practitioners... The book provides new vistas for specialists in marriage, adult friendships, children’s peer groups, family dynamics, postdivorce negotiations, victimology, forgiveness, trust, aggression and violence, bullying, effects on perpetrators, mental health, the workplace, theInternet, and cross-cultural studies... This exemplary collaboration moves various disciplines and academic fields ahead with a unifying human science and philosophy..."
– E. James Liebermann, PsycCRITIQUES

"...This volume provides a thorough, readable examination of emotional vulnerability in close relationships... Providing many valuable insights, this collection makes a distinctive contribution to understanding interpersonal relationships... Highly recommended..."
--S. Halling, Seattle University, CHOICE