Understand the concept of interdependence and its relevance to close relationships.
Outline some of the major characteristics of parent-child and sibling relationships.
Consider the nature of close friendships and highlight how same-sex and opposite-sex friendships tend to function.
Detail and contrast the three initial types of attachment outlined (in the study of parent/mother-infant interactions) with the four types offered by Bartholomew and colleagues.
Consider why loneliness develops, its consequences, and ways to overcome it.
Explain why and how a romantic relationship differs from a close friendship.
Discuss the disadvantages and advantages to meeting a romantic partner through the internet.
Clarify how passionate love differs from unrequited and companionate love.
Outline how sexuality and sexual practices have differed over the course of the past several decades and discuss the implications of these changes.
Understand the varying opinions with respect to gay marriages.
Discuss the importance and role of similarity, assumed similarity, individual differences, and sexual interactions in a marriage.
Consider the benefits and challenges of marriage.
Discuss how parenthood affects marriage and note how the prototype of the American family has been changing over the past few decades.
Outline some of the common problems faced by married couples and helpful ways to deal with these issues.
Discuss the behavioral options for those in a troubled marriage or intimate relationship.
