Abstract
The importance of relationships throughout human life span can be hardly overestimated. Biological as well as cultural pressures substantially contribute to shape the features and functions of human interaction patterns within families, communities, and broader societies. In this chapter attention will be paid to the role of relationships in fostering optimal experiences, and in directing the process of psychological selection. Moving from core theoretical assumptions concerning the developmental implications of relationships, an overview of previous studies on this topic will be presented, and some new findings obtained from a cross-cultural adult sample will be described. The central role played by family relationships in both individualistic and collectivistic cultures will be specifically highlighted.
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Delle Fave, A., Massimini, F., Bassi, M. (2011). Relationships: Safe Harbor for Flow Explorers. In: Psychological Selection and Optimal Experience Across Cultures. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9876-4_10
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