ABSTRACT

A profound interest in the expectations, perceptions, constructions, behaviours, and reactions to the general functioning of couples has long occupied the thoughts and emotions of poets, novelists, philosophers, theologians, and scientists. Stemming from their inquiries, scientists have been able to create a complex, and on occasions even coherent, depiction of intimate relations (e.g., Freud, 1959; Fromm, 1955; Heider, 1958; Harlow & Harlow, 1965; Levinger, 1965; Aronson & Worschel, 1966; Bowlby, 1969; Rubin, 1973; Berscheid & Walster, 1978; Sternberg, 1986; Dion & Dion, 1988; Aron, Aron, & Smollan, 1992; Diaz-Loving, 1996; Duck, 1997; Perlman, 2000). However, in order to make sense of the growing amount of research findings, an integrative approach that includes biological, cultural, social, historical, psychological, behavioural, and ecosystem variables must be considered (Diaz-Loving, 1999). The present chapter will cover the biopsycho-socio-cultural model depicted in Figure 18.1, giving general theoretical support for each component, as well as the conceptualization and operationalization of participating variables and results of the interrelationship of the components for Mexican subjects.