Close Relationships in Middle and Late Adulthood

Abstract

The chapter begins with a brief history of research on adult close relationships and proceeds to a summary of key developmental milestones in middle and late adulthood that have implications for close relationships. Attention is given to structural features of relationship networks in the second half of life, as well as to dynamic interaction processes. Influences on close relationships in adulthood and their effects on individuals are covered, then the last section provides a summary of recent theoretical and methodological advances in the study of close relationships during the second half of life. This tour of the literature is provided, of course, as a compendium of recent research for reference by those interested in adult development and aging. In addition, it serves as a cue for those studying earlier life relationships whose theories, methods, and results might be enhanced by taking a long-range perspective on social and personal interactions over the entire life course. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved).