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.

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.

"...it is clear that the authors wish to provide broad perspectives on conflict in marriage. They have definitely accomplished this goal....Couples in Conflict is an excellent resource for any serious marital researcher."
—Contemporary Psychology

"...the chapters are concise and well-written, and feature extensive references....I would recommend it for graduate students, couple and family therapists, and family reseachers and educators as an up-to-date and thorough resource on couples and conflict."
—Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy

Alan Booth, Ann C. Crouter, Mari Clements