ABSTRACT
The goal of this chapter is to outline the current status of one of the foundational close relationships, namely the parent—child dyad. To appreciate the current thinking about this type of close relationship, we examine contemporary theoretical perspectives including the typological approach, the attachment tradition, and the parent—child interactional perspective. The determinants of variations in both the quantity and quality of parent—child involvement are explored. The implications of these variations for children's development are briefly noted. Finally, we outline new directions in parent—child relationship theory and research.
