Choices in Relationships

Now published by SAGE! Cutting edge and student-friendly, Choices in Relationships takes readers through the lifespan of relationships, marriages, and families, and utilizes research to help them make deliberate, informed choices in their interpersonal relationships. Authors David Knox, Caroline Schacht, and new co-author I. Joyce Chang draw on extensive research to challenge students to think critically about the choice-making process, consider the consequences involved with choices, view situations in a positive light, and understand that not making a choice is a choice after all. The extensively revised Thirteenth Edition reflects the rapidly changing world with over 700 new research citations, a new feature on how technology effects relationships, revised “Culture and Diversity” features that focus on how choices in relationships vary across different cultures, new and increased coverage of single and LGBTQIA individuals, and more. This title is accompanied by a complete teaching and learning package.

Table of Contents:
List of Self-Assessments Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1: Choices in Relationships: An Introduction to Marriage, Family, and Diversity Choices in Relationships—View of the Text Theoretical Frameworks for Viewing Marriage and the Family Marriage Family Differences between Marriage and Family Research Process and Caveats Future of Marriage Chapter 2: Love Relationships The Meanings of Love Today Social Control of Love Theories on the Origins of Love How We Fall in Love Love as a Context for Problems Jealousy in Relationships Polyamory Future of Love Relationships Chapter 3: Gender and Diversity Terminology of Gender Roles Theories of Gender Role Development Agents of Socialization Consequences of Traditional Gender Role Socialization Changing Gender Roles Future of Gender Roles Chapter 4: Singlehood, Cohabitation, and Living Apart Together Singlehood Changes in "Dating" Hanging Out, Hooking Up, and Long-Distance Relationships Cohabitation Living Apart Together (LAT) Future of Singlehood, Cohabitation, and LAT Chapter 5: Selecting a Partner Factors Involved in Selecting a Mate Finding a Partner Online Moving Toward Commitment Love/Commitment Important Considerations before you Say “I Do” Future of Partner Selection Chapter 6: Diversity in Marriage Relationships Motivations for and Functions of Marriage Marriage as a Commitment Marriage as a Rite of Passage Changes after Marriage Diversity in Marriage Marriage Quality Future of Marriage Relationships Chapter 7: LGBTQIA Relationships Basic Terms Problems with Identifying and Classifying Sexual Orientation Origins of Sexual-Orientation Diversity Heterosexism, Homonegativity, Homophobia, Biphobia, Binegativity, and Transphobia LGBTQ Relationships Coming Out to Siblings, Parents, and Peers Same-Sex Marriage LGBTQ Parenting Issues Future of LGBTQ Relationships Chapter 8: Communication and Technology in Relationships Interpersonal Communication Gender, Culture, and Communication Making Choices for Effective Communication Self-Disclosure and Secrets Dishonesty, Lying and Cheating Technology Mediated Communication in Romantic Relationships Technology and the Family: Cell Phone/Tech Etiquette Conflict Resolution Future of Communication Chapter 9: Sexuality in Relationships Sexual Values and Sexual Choices Sex and Gender Sexual Behaviors Sexuality in Relationships Sexual History and Marriage Satisfaction Being Sexually Safe Sexual Fulfillment: Some Prerequisites Future of Sexual Relationships Chapter 10: Violence and Abuse in Relationships Nature of Relationship Abuse Recognizing and Resisting Abuse Reasons for Violence and Abuse in Relationships Sexual Coercion, Sexual Assault, and Rape Abuse in Marriage and Long-Term Relationships Effects of Abuse The Cycle of Abuse Child, Parent, Sibling, and Elder Abuse Future of Violence and Abuse in Relationships Chapter 11: Planning for Parenthood Do You Want to Have Children? How Many Children Do You Want? Teenage Parenthood Infertility Adoption Sterilization Abortion Future of Planning for Children Chapter 12: Diversity in Parenting The Choices Perspective of Parenting Transition to Parenthood Parenthood: Some Facts Child Rearing Theories Principles of Effective Parenting Single-Parent Issues Empty Nest via Emigration of Children Future of Parenting Chapter 13: Money, Work, and Relationships Money and Relationships Work, Relationships, and Families Work and Family: Effects on Children Balancing Work and Family Life Balancing Work and Leisure Time Future of Work and Family Life Chapter 14: Stress and Crisis in Relationships Personal Stress and Crisis Events Stress Management Strategies Family Crisis Examples Marriage and Family Therapy Future of Stress and Crisis in Relationships Chapter 15: Divorce, Remarriage, and Stepfamilies Definition and Prevalence of Divorce Deciding Whether to End a Relationship Macro Factors Contributing to Divorce Micro Factors Contributing to Divorce Consequences of Divorce for Spouses Consequences of Divorce for Children Prerequisites for Having a “Successful” Divorce Remarriage Stepfamilies Future of Divorce and Remarriage Chapter 16: The Later Years Age and Ageism Caregiving for the Frail Issues Confronting the Elderly Relationships Across Time Grandparenthood The End of Life Future of the Elderly in the United States Special Topic I: Careers in Marriage and the Family Special Topic II: Contraception and STI Protection Self-Assessments Glossary References Index

About the Author :
David Knox, Ph.D., is Professor of Sociology at East Carolina University, where he teaches courtship and marriage, marriage and the family, and sociology of human sexuality. He is a marriage, family and sex therapist and the author or coauthor of twelve books and over 130 professional articles.  He regularly presents new research at annual conferences with undergraduate/graduate students and colleagues. He and Caroline Schacht are married with three children and five grandchildren. Caroline Schacht, M.A. in Sociology and M.A. in Family Relations, is formerly instructor of sociology at East Carolina University where she taught courtship and marriage, introduction to sociology, and the sociology of food. Her clinical work includes marriage and family relationships. She is also the coauthor of Understanding Social Problems  and a certified Romana Pilates instructor. I. Joyce Chang, Ph.D. is Professor of Child and Family Development at University of Central Missouri (UCM). Dr. Chang received her doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences and Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology, Women Studies, and Statistics) from Oregon State University. Dr. Chang’s primary research interests are high-risk behaviors, relationship development, and impacts of technology on families. She has received awards for teaching, research, and service. Dr. Chang has also taught/lectured in Sweden, Taiwan, and the Netherlands.

Review :
“Choices in Relationships is a substantive textbook about relationships; it provides solid information about what students need to understand in terms of relationship theories, being proactive about their own relationship choices, and how to navigate contemporary relationships.” “Choices in Relationships covers the first three levels of Bloom's taxonomy of learning. Perfect for a 100-level course. A review of multiple, applicable areas in a college student's life. This textbook is a backbone of knowledge for CDFS majors/minors.” “Choices in Relationships is inclusive of the LGBTQIA experience and mindful of diversity.” “Easy to engage a student learner, elaborate and insightful.”