ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the importance of social relationships to our physical health and psychological wellbeing. We first review important theoretical foundations of relationships, including Attachment Theory and social support. Next, we apply these theories by discussing the mechanisms linking relationships to health, in particular focusing on relationship quality and processes, and their physiological correlates. We end by discussing the need for a more nuanced understand of relationship quality, and that flourishing relationships could provide the strongest link to positive health.
