In this text, Patricia Noller, Judith A. Feeney and Candida Peterson examine the nature of our relationships across the entire lifespan. Highlighting areas of special significance and research interest at each major life-stage, they examine how close relationships function and how they influence individual adjustment throughout life. A wide range of relationships are covered, including some that are often neglected, such as those with siblings, adult children and elderly parents. They also look at alternative family forms, such as single-parent families and step-families. Throughout their discussion a number of themes are addressed, including: intimacy, conflict, communication, power and control, and social support. With insightful discussion of the theory and methods typically used by researchers working in this area, "Relationships Across the Lifespan" should be a useful resource for students and researchers of both realtionships and lifespan development. It will also be of interest to any one who wants to learn more about the nature of relationships more generally. (view table of contents)