Health and Illness in Close Relationships provides an integrated theoretical framework for understanding the complexities of health trajectories and relationship processes. It is the first volume to review and synthesize current empirical evidence and associated theoretical constructs from the literature on health and illness in close relationships across the social and behavioral sciences. In doing so, it provides a unique cross-disciplinary understanding of how health and illness redefine relationships. The volume also maps out an explanatory framework of how the pathways and processes of close relationships pose considerations for resilience and flourishing or, on the contrary, for relational and health decline. It will appeal to researchers and students across psychology, communication, and relationship studies, as well as to health professionals who are interested in understanding how health conditions can shape or be shaped by patients' close relationships.

‘With her characteristic depth and insight, Duggan provides a tour de force for scholars and practitioners interested in the complex interplay between health and illness, communication, and relationships. Her stellar ability to connect disparate domains gives readers a new way to understand the processes and context of health and illness.'

Valerie Manusov - University of Washington

‘This book covers how our health affects our relationships in both public and private spheres. It applies communication theories to compelling personal stories of encounters with the healthcare industry. It also discusses important health disparities and their effects on our closest relationships, thus making Duggan's book essential reading for this area.'

Norah Dunbar - Chair of Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara

‘Duggan delivers a thought-provoking, cross-disciplinary integration of theory and research linking health, illness, and close relationships, which allows the reader to understand the practical and far-reaching implications. She offers a valuable and all-encompassing framework to advance the two interconnected fields of study.'

Terri Orbuch - Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Oakland University, Michigan

‘Health and Illness in Close Relationships brings to the fore the idea that medical care not only treats individual patients but also affects, and is affected by, the people in the patient's inner circle. Educators in health professions will find the ideas and strategies outlined in this book to be helpful when teaching relationship-centered healthcare.'

Allen F. Shaughnessy - Tufts University School of Medicine

'The book is thorough in its definitions, descriptions, and explanations of all relevant factors … She presents an excellent overview of the topics from a multitude of relevant, academic areas of expertise; along with strong arguments as to how and why these areas need to be explored in conjunction with one another.'

Maureen P. Keeley Source: Health Communication