Close relationships are a vital part of people's daily lives; thus family members, friends, and romantic partners play an integral role in people's health and well-being. Understanding the ways in which close relationships both shape and reflect people's health and wellness is an important area of inquiry. Showcasing studies from various disciplines that are on the cutting-edge of research exploring the interdependence between health and relationships, this collection highlights several relationship processes that are instrumental in the maintenance of health and the management of illness, including interpersonal influence, information management, uncertainty, social support, and communication. Although the existing health literature is rich with knowledge about individual and ecological factors that are influential in promoting certain health behaviors, the relationship scholars featured in this volume have much to contribute in terms of documenting the interpersonal dynamics that are involved in experiences of health and illness.

'Health and wellness are substantially affected by the quality of communication in close relationships. In this volume, Theiss and Greene bring together an exceptional group of scholars whose cutting-edge research illuminates the important connections between social behavior and well-being. This text will prove to be an essential resource for researchers and students alike.'

Kory Floyd - University of Arizona

'This interdisciplinary volume provides a major advance in our understanding of how close relationships and actual interpersonal interactions shape (and are shaped by) health behaviors, health decisions, and ultimately health outcomes. As scholars, scientists, and health professionals seek new perspectives on vexing health problems, this book will be an indispensable guide for years to come.'

David Sbarra - University of Arizona

'This is an exceptional collection that focuses on how people in close relationships cope with health-related challenges. Cutting-edge research is presented, documenting the interplay between being in a close relationship (as a spouse, intimate partner, family member, or healthcare provider interacting with a patient) and health outcomes. This will be an invaluable resource for health researchers and students in communication, psychology, family studies, and nursing as well as for health practitioners who want to understand the role of close relationships in health.'

Valerian Derlega - Old Dominion University, Virginia