The Atlas of Interpersonal Situations provides a systematic theoretical account for understanding the impact of situations on patterns of social interaction. Structured around descriptions of twenty-one of the most common situations that people encounter daily, this study presents the tools needed to understand how those situations influence interpersonal behavior. These descriptions are freestanding; each providing analysis, research examples, and everyday descriptions of the prototypical situation. The authors build upon interdependence theory, which stresses the manner in which outcomes are determined by the structure of interpersonal interaction. This analysis makes clear exactly what is "social" about "social psychology."

The study of close relationships is both a central topic in social psychology, and also one of the most dynamic and exciting. Each chapter in this reader is written by leading scholars in the area of relationships. Together, they reflect the diversity of the field and include both contemporary and key historical papers to give comprehensive coverage of social psychological research into the processes that govern the many relationships that are so central to our lives. Topics covered include relationship initiation and attraction, relationship development, cognition and emotion in ongoing relationships, interdependence, and relationship maintenance and deterioration. The volume also contains an introductory chapter by the editors, which sets the subject in its historical context, as well as reviewing the current state of knowledge in the field. Section introductions, discussion questions, suggestions for further reading and comprehensive indexes make this an ideal, user-friendly text for senior undergraduates and graduates in courses on close relationships.

The Atlas of Interpersonal Situations provides a systematic theoretical account for understanding the impact of situations on patterns of social interaction. Structured around descriptions of twenty-one of the most common situations that people encounter daily, this study presents the tools needed to understand how those situations influence interpersonal behavior. These descriptions are freestanding; each providing analysis, research examples, and everyday descriptions of the prototypical situation. The authors build upon interdependence theory, which stresses the manner in which outcomes are determined by the structure of interpersonal interaction. This analysis makes clear exactly what is "social" about "social psychology."