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4 - The self-expansion model and optimal relationship development

from Part I - Major theoretical perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2016

By
Xiaomeng Xu ,
Gary W. Lewandowski  and
Arthur Aron
Edited by
C. Raymond Knee  and
Harry T. Reis
C. Raymond Knee
Affiliation:
University of Houston
Harry T. Reis
Affiliation:
University of Rochester, New York
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Summary

Romantic relationships are extremely important aspects of many peoples’ lives and strongly influence physical and psychological well-being. It is therefore essential to better understand ways to enhance and optimize relationships as they are formed and as they develop over time. In this chapter we focus on thinking and research from the self-expansion model and how its application could enhance relationships by helping couples transition from being dis-satisfied and bored with each other, to more satisfied and passionate with each other. We begin with a basic description of the model and a brief review of some fundamental supporting research including some recent new directions relevant to this chapter’s theme. We then proceed to sections that explore general implications of the model for relationships, specific ways that one can make use of such implications for optimizing self-expansion in relationships (notably shared novel and challenging activities). We then consider (for the first time) applied implications of a new research direction--how individual (non-relational) self-expansion can benefit relationship development. Finally, we conclude with some possible future directions.
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Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development , pp. 79 - 100
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2016

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