The Mating Game is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, introductory text about human mating relationships aimed specifically at a university audience. It progresses beyond a psychological or biological/physiological stance and encompasses a wide array of disciplines. The comprehensive review and up-to-date information contained in The Mating Game not only provides answers to questions about important life events but also encourages readers' interest in the field of interpersonal relationships and human mating.

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The Mating Game: A Primer on Love, Sex, and Marriage, Second Edition, is the only comprehensive, multidisciplinary, introductory text about human mating relationships aimed specifically at a university audience. It progresses beyond a psychological or biological/physiological stance and encompasses a wide array of disciplines. This comprehensive review of theory and empirical research takes an integrated perspective on the fundamental human experiences of love and sex. Strongly grounded in methodology and research design, author Pamela C. Regan offers relevant examples and anecdotes along with ample pedagogy that will spark debate and discussion on these provocative and complex topics.

New to the Second Edition

Freshly presented material, with reorganized text that provides a smoother transition between major sections; Reviews of the most recent theoretical and empirical work in the areas of love, sexuality, mate selection, and marriage; New information on the phenomenon of “cyber-flirting” and the development of romantic relationships over the Internet; Inclusion of cutting-edge biochemistry research, including a discussion of cutting-edge research on the biochemistry of passion and affection; Discussion of emerging research on non-heterosexual relationships and cross-cultural dynamics; Expanded chapters on critical topics and an important new chapter on relationship intervention

Intended AudienceThis text is ideal for upper level undergraduate or graduate students in psychology, family studies, and sociology, who will find this engaging text a valuable tool for course-related research activities, as well as for self-awareness.

Passionate and Companionate Love

Passionate and companionate love

Chapter Outline

  • Passionate Love: A “Sexy” Kind of Love
    • Defining Passionate Love
      • Emotional Intensity
      • Fragility
      • Sexuality
        • Sexual Excitement and Sexual Activity
        • Sexual Desire
    • Measuring Passionate Love
    • The Biochemistry of Passion
      • Pheromones
      • Sex Hormones
      • Brain Activity
    • Companionate Love: A “Sturdy” Kind of Love
      • Defining Companionate Love
        • Emotional Intimacy
        • Durability
        • Closeness
    • Measuring Companionate Love
    • The Biochemistry of Affection
  • Summary

Most people would probably agree that “being in love” with someone is a very different experience from “loving” that person. However, scientists have been relatively slow to make this same distinction. In fact, it was not until the early 1970s that theorists and researchers began to recognize that passionate love was more than simply an intense or extreme version of liking (e.g., Berscheid & Walster, 1974; Rubin, 1970, 1973). Now, the distinction between these two love experiences—exciting, intense passionate love and ...

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