Introduction to Family Processes: Fifth Edition - Hardcover

"I have used this text in teaching an introductory family processes course and plan to continue using it. ... It is interesting and applicable to the lives of undergraduate students. ... The coverage of basic family processes is extremely well done as is the use of stories throughout the text. ... This book would be most appropriate for an introductory ... class on family processes ... for sociology, education, human development, psychology, and social work classes." - Denise Ann Bodman, Arizona State University, USA

"Day’s text is really the only option... for family process texts... for undergraduates... The family process focus is rare but very exciting in an undergraduate classroom." - Kathleen D. Ramos, California State University, Fresno, USA

"Day’s writing style is clear and easy to read ... the two new chapters...including trends in dating, falling in love ...[are] so interesting for ... college students ... the author does an excellent job of covering most aspects of family life and family interaction through the life course... I love the ... journal thoughts and exercises ... the next edition will be even better!" - Julie James, Indiana University, USA

What goes on "behind closed doors" in families is examined in this text. Through his storytelling style, Randy Day introduces readers to the family processes approach – the strategies and behaviors families use to achieve goals. The emphasis is on how families work and interact rather than on the psychological, sociological, or economic processes. It examines emotions in families, communication, relationship formation/dissolution, family rituals, and power and conflict. Chapters open with a Preview and conclude with a Summary, Study Questions, Key Terms, and Suggested Readings. Principle Boxes highlight key concepts and a Glossary defines the key terms listed at the ends of the chapters.

Significantly updated with 50% new material including many new references and examples, the new edition features:

• A new chapter that introduces the discipline’s methodology
• A new chapter on relationship formation including partner selection, falling in love, commitment, sexuality, passion, and intimacy
• A new design reformatted to tie in with the book’s website at http://www.psypress.com/family-processes which now contains the Chapter Activity Questions that reinforce critical thinking skills, the Journal Activities that strengthen students' personal connection to the material, and the chapter Previews and Key Terms for review purposes
• An Instructor’s Web Resource at http://www.psypress.com/family-processes with small group and in-class exercises, lecture outlines in PowerPoint, topics for debate, suggested films, and multiple-choice, true/false, matching, and essay questions
• More material on the role of gender, power, genetics, and personality in relationships; families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and the impact of work and technology on the family; the changing nature of family structures including single parenting and gay unions; and stresses in family life.

Written for undergraduate courses on family processes, family dynamics, family life, the family, and/or marriage & family interaction taught in family studies, human development, psychology, sociology, social work, education, consumer sciences, home economics, health, and nursing departments, this book also appeals to those who want to maximize the positive parts of family life and manage the inevitable challenges.