Conflict and Decision Making in Close Relationships

This insightful exploration examines how couples navigate love, money, and decision-making in their daily lives, as discussed in Conflict and Decision Making in Close Relationships.

In Conflict and Decision Making in Close Relationships, the authors explore the intricate dynamics of love and money as they play pivotal roles in the daily lives of couples. The book delves into the routine disagreements, conflicts, and joint decisions that arise from these fundamental aspects, along with other significant issues such as work, leisure, and parenting. Through a comprehensive analysis, the authors shed light on how these elements intertwine to shape the household environment.

Central to the research presented in Conflict and Decision Making in Close Relationships is an innovative diary study involving forty couples. Over the course of a year, these couples documented their daily decision-making processes, revealing the complexities and challenges inherent in everyday life. The findings illustrate that as couples navigate their decisions, their goals often shift, leading to outcomes that differ from their initial intentions. The study emphasizes that the nature of the conflict and the decision-making history of the couple significantly influence their interactions.

The authors contextualize their findings within the broader landscape of existing research, discussing various case studies on joint decision-making and the psychology of close relationships. By integrating insights from psychology, sociology, economics, and consumer behavior, they propose a comprehensive model of household decision-making. This book serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers in social and economic psychology, as well as professionals in family therapy and consumer behavior fields.