This course will introduce the students to the psychology of human relationships. It will address knowledge and skills needed for positive relationships in the community, family, and career settings. Its primary focus will be romantic relationships, although other kinds of close relationships (e.g., family, friends, work relationships) will also be discussed. The goals of this course are: (1) to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the research in the psychology of human relationships and of its underlying theories; (2) to help students acknowledge the significance of interpersonal relationships in their daily life; (3) to help students discern those problem situations in which interpersonal skills are required; (4) to cope with unhealthy relationships and respond non-violently, with awareness and empathy; (5) to learn how to effectively apply knowledge in daily living. The course is largely experiential as it includes a lot of classroom activities. Hopefully, by successfully completing this course the students will have:

Knowledge (of): 

• identify and describe the core theories of the psychology of human relationships
• acknowledge the significance of interpersonal relationships,
• assessments tools for measuring people’s dysfunctional relationships
• strategies to improve interpersonal relationships (through experiential activities)

Skills: 

• interpret, critically evaluate, and discuss scientific research related to human relationships,
• develop a better understanding of the self and others in terms of how we relate to other people,
• to assess people’s interpersonal dysfunctional relationships
• to develop and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships

 Abilities 

• apply knowledge in daily life experiences and interpersonal relationships (e.g., improve other’s people dysfunctional relationships)
• acquire insight into their own dysfunctional relationships and apply knowledge and skills to improve their relationship

• Independent work
• Teamwork
• Interdisciplinary work
• Respect of diversity and multicultural environments
• Accountability and sensitivity of gender issues
• Display of social, professional, and ethical accountability
• Decision-making
• Autonomous work
• Critical thinking and self-criticism
• Advancement of free, creative, and inductive thinking

1 st week: Introduction to the psychology of interpersonal relationships 

2nd week: Relationships in modern society 

3rd week: Impact on health, mental health, well-being, and happiness 

4th week: Psychological resilience and social networks 

5th week: Theories of interpersonal relationships 

6th week: Assessment of interpersonal relationships 

7th week: Kindness and forgiveness 

8th week: Stress, conflicts, and conflict resolution 

9th week: Infidelity, betrayal, and jealousy 

10th week: Coercion, manipulation, exploitation, and interpersonal violence 

11th week: Interpersonal skills and coping strategies 

12th week: Compassionate, empathetic, or non-violent communication 

13th week: Dissolution and Loss

Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (1996). Love and expansion of the self: The state of the model. Personal relationships, 3(1), 45-58.

Arnold, D., Calhoun, L. G., Tedeschi, R., & Cann, A. (2005). Vicarious posttraumatic growth in psychotherapy. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 45(2), 239-263. 

Birtchnell, J., Newberry, M., & Kalairzaki, A. (Eds) (2016). Relating Theory: Clinical and Forensic Applications. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Dawn O. Braithwaite, D.O. & Schrodt P. (2014). Engaging Theories in Interpersonal Communication: Multiple Perspectives. SAGE Publications 

Duck, S. (2007). Human Relationships. SAGE Publications. 

Harvey, J. H., Pauwels, B. G., & Zicklund, S. (2001). Relationship connection: The role of minding in the enhancement of closeness. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), The handbook of positive psychology (pp. 423-233). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. 

Hatfield, E., & Traupmann, J. (1981). Intimate relationships: A perspective from equity theory. Personal relationships, 1, 165-178.

Hatfield, E. C., Pillemer, J. T., O’Brien, M. U., & Le, Y. C. L. (2008). The endurance of love: Passionate and companionate love in newlywed and long-term marriages. Interpersona: An International Journal on Personal Relationships, 2(1), 35-64.

Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of personality and social psychology, 52(3), 511-524. 

Hendrick, K., & Hendrick, S.S. (2012). Στενές σχέσεις: Θεμελιώδη ζητήματα της ψυχολογίας των διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων (Επιμ. Π. Κορδούτης). Αθήνα: Πεδίο. 

Keltner, D. (2009). Born to be good: The science of a meaningful life. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. Lyubomirsky, S (2011). The How of Happiness. A Practical Guide to Getting the Life You Want. New York: The Penguin Press. 

Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). The myths of happiness: What should make you happy, but doesn’t, what shouldn’t make you happy, but does. New York, NY: Penguin. 

Park, C. L. (2010). Making sense of the meaning literature: an integrative review of meaning making and its effects on adjustment to stressful life events. Psychological bulletin, 136(2), 257-301. Available online at http://www.researchgate.net/publication/41654706_Making_sense_of_the_meaning_literature_an_integrative _review_of_meaning_making_and_its_effects_on_adjustment_to_stressful_life_events/file/32bfe5124f7cac0c8 6.

Regan, P. (2011). Close relationships Routledge 

Συλλογικό Έργο (2011). Εισαγωγή στη Θετική Ψυχολογία. (Επιμ. Α. Σταλίκας και Π. Μυτσκίδου). Μοτίβο Εκδοτική Α.Ε. 

Sternberg, R. J. (1986). A triangular theory of love. Psychological review, 93(2), 119.

Tedeschi, R. G. & Calhoun. L. G. (1996). The posttraumatic growth inventory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9, 455-471. 

Ungar, M. (2008). Resilience across cultures. British journal of social work, 38(2), 218-235. Available online at http://pss-forum-2013.repssi.org/download/Media/Ungar-%20resilience%20across%20cultures%20(1).pdf 

Wong, P. T. P. (2004). The healing power of forgiveness. Available online at http://www.meaning.ca/archives/presidents_columns/pres_col_dec_2004_healing-forgiveness.htm 

E-books / E-readings: 

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1057%2F978-1-137-50459-3.pdf 

https://fbmedia-lys.com/get?cid=2481&kw=The%20Two%20of%20Me%20By%20John%20Birtchnel