REMINDERS: This is the last lecture. Psychology 137C: Intimate Relationships Week 10, Lecture 1: Integration REMINDERS: This is the last lecture. The final will be in this room during lecture on Friday (June 4th). Course evaluations will be distributed after lecture today. The review session for the final will begin after the evals are turned in.

Any Questions?

The Question If everyone agrees that intimate relationships are to be desired, why do they often fail? Every lecture has addressed piece of this question in some way. Today, we try to tie it all together.

Elements of An Answer There may be only three types of variables: Enduring traits Adaptive processes External circumstances

Assembling a Model What is the engine of change? Ultimately, everything that affects relationships must do so by affecting the interactions between the partners. Thus, adaptive processes are the engine of change.

Assembling a Model Where do adaptive processes come from? Why are some couples better than others at communicating, showing affection, resolving problems, etc.? Two answers: Characteristics of the partners Characteristics of their environment

The Stress - Vulnerability - Adaptation Model Barriers and alternatives Enduring Characteristics Initial Satisfaction Adaptive Processes Change in Satisfaction Stay together or break up External Stressors

Concluding Comments How have relationships changed over the past few decades? What remains the same? What does this mean for us personally? It may be that future couples will be increasingly challenged to define the terms of their relationships for themselves. They may have to negotiate roles and expectations that prior generations, and even modern couples, take for granted. For some couples, this may be a burden, and the need for each couple to define their own intimacy may make their relationships harder. But it may also make them better.