Interpersonal Relationships and the Self-Concept

Romantic relationships carry with them the fundamental ability to alter individuals' self-concepts. Using social psychological perspectives, theories, and methods, relationship scientists have made substantial strides in examining extensions, boundary conditions, mediators, and moderators of the relationship-induced self-concept change process. As such, this volume will provide an overview of the contemporary theoretical and empirical work on relationship-induced self-concept change that has occurred over the last 10-15 years. Specifically, this volume will discuss the foundations of relationship self-change, how and when it occurs, how it influences relationship decisions and behavior, and how it informs and modifies subsequent knowledge structures, all examined over the course of the relationship cycle (i.e., initiation, maintenance, and dissolution). Additionally, this volume will identify novel applications and extensions of the relationship self-change literature, including applications to health and behavior, intergroup relations, and the workplace. Overall, this volume will serve both as an authoritative source regarding an overview of the existing empirical research as well as a roadmap for future research, including a discussion of emerging theoretical frameworks that will help provide insight on currently unanswered questions. It will primarily target a scholarly audience with interest in romantic relationships, self and identity, and the intersection of self and relationships, spanning the disciplines of psychology, sociology, communication, and family studies.