This volume on close relationships in adulthood discusses the central issues in the field and points the way towards the construction of an integrated body of knowledge about human relationships. The self, interactions, relationships and grops are treated as dynaimc proceses in dialectical relations with each other and with the socio-cultural structure of norms, values, beliefs and institutions. Early chpaters introduce aspecs of the slef relevant to the dynaimcs of intercayions and relationships: intrapsychic processes of cognition and emotion are emphasized. these are followed by chapters discussing the principle characteristics of relationships. Seven further chapters focus on the processes involved in the dynaimcs of relationships, and later chapters synthesize previous ones in discussions of love and friendship, and the nature of relationship change. The focus throughot the text is on current work and current controversy, placed against a background of knowledge that has been built up in recent decades.