Introduction

This volume is based on the presentations and discussions of a national symposium on "Couples in Conflict" that focused on family issues. A common thread throughout is that constructive conflict and negotiation are beneficial for relationships. Together, the chapters provide a foundation for thinking about creative ways in which our society can work to prevent or minimize destructive couple conflict and to enhance couples' abilities to constructively handle their differences.

Part Overview

Divided into four parts, this book:

• addresses the societal and bioevolutionary underpinnings of couple conflict;
• presents the interpersonal roots of couple conflict and the consequences for individuals and couples;
• discusses what effects couple conflict have on children and how individual differences in children moderate these effects; and
• outlines the issue of policies and programs that address couple conflict.

This book concludes with an essay that pulls these four themes together and points to new directions for research and program efforts.