Contemporary Studies on Relationships, Health, and Wellness

Close relationships are essential for health and well-being, and this collection highlights research exploring the interdependence between health and relationships. It emphasizes the role of interpersonal influence, information management, uncertainty, social support, and communication in maintaining health and managing illness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 379 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Close relationships are an essential component of people's daily lives, and family members, friends, and romantic partners play a crucial role in their health and well-being. Understanding the ways in which close relationships shape and reflect individuals' health and wellness is a vital area of inquiry. This collection showcases studies from various disciplines that are at the forefront of research exploring the interdependence between health and relationships. It highlights several relationship processes that are instrumental in maintaining health and managing illness, including interpersonal influence, information management, uncertainty, social support, and communication. While the existing health literature provides valuable insights into individual and ecological factors that promote certain health behaviors, the relationship scholars featured in this volume have much to contribute in documenting the interpersonal dynamics involved in experiences of health and illness.

Interpersonal influence is a fundamental process that shapes individuals' health and well-being. Close relationships provide a social context in which individuals can share their experiences, emotions, and concerns, and receive support and validation from others. This social support can have a positive impact on individuals' mental and physical health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving immune function. Interpersonal influence also plays a role in shaping individuals' health behaviors, such as diet, exercise, and substance use. For example, individuals who have close relationships with healthy role models are more likely to adopt healthy behaviors themselves.

Information management is another critical relationship process that affects individuals' health and well-being. Close relationships involve the exchange of information between individuals, including medical information, personal experiences, and social cues. Effective information management can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and well-being, and can also prevent the spread of misinformation and harmful health behaviors. For example, individuals who have close relationships with healthcare providers are more likely to receive timely and accurate medical information, and are more likely to follow recommended treatment plans.

Uncertainty is another challenge that individuals face in close relationships, particularly in times of illness or crisis. Close relationships provide a sense of stability and security, but they can also be sources of uncertainty and anxiety. Individuals may struggle with questions about their own health and the health of their loved ones, and may feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty surrounding a diagnosis or treatment plan. Effective uncertainty management can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological impact of uncertainty, and can also improve communication and problem-solving skills within the relationship.

Social support is another critical relationship process that affects individuals' health and well-being. Close relationships provide a source of emotional and practical support, particularly during times of illness or crisis. Social support can help individuals cope with the physical and emotional toll of illness, and can also improve their overall quality of life. For example, individuals who have close relationships with family and friends are more likely to receive emotional support during times of stress or grief, and are more likely to receive practical support, such as help with household tasks or transportation to medical appointments.

Communication is a vital component of all close relationships, and it plays a critical role in maintaining health and managing illness. Effective communication can help individuals express their needs and concerns, build trust and intimacy, and resolve conflicts and misunderstandings. Poor communication, on the other hand, can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and emotional distress. For example, individuals who have close relationships with healthcare providers are more likely to receive clear and accurate information about their health condition, and are more likely to follow recommended treatment plans.

In conclusion, close relationships are an essential component of people's daily lives, and they play a crucial role in their health and well-being. Understanding the ways in which close relationships shape and reflect individuals' health and wellness is a vital area of inquiry. This collection showcases studies from various disciplines that are at the forefront of research exploring the interdependence between health and relationships. It highlights several relationship processes that are instrumental in maintaining health and managing illness, including interpersonal influence, information management, uncertainty, social support, and communication. By documenting the interpersonal dynamics involved in experiences of health and illness, relationship scholars can contribute to a better understanding of the factors that promote health and well-being, and can develop interventions and strategies to support individuals and families in maintaining healthy relationships.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108412285