Integrating and advancing the study of couple and family relationships

The overarching aim of the Research Handbook on Couple and Family Relationships is to promote integration across couple and family scholarship. In this conclusion chapter, we consider some general commonalities and differences in the couple and family literatures reviewed in this Handbook. We use these points to identify opportunities for integration, growth, and new directions that could advance our understanding of couple and family relationships. We organize examples around three broad themes, which illustrate the gains that can be made in: (1) examining transactional associations across couple and family relationships, (2) integrating the focus and measurement of relational processes and outcomes, and (3) expanding understanding of contextual influences on couple and family relationships. We hope these examples and accompanying discussion will encourage greater crosstalk between couple and family scholars and will inspire readers from different disciplines to apply and integrate the valuable insights contained within this Handbook.