ABSTRACT
Flourishing romantic relationships are not just characterized by their use of positive communication, but by deliberate efforts across relationship development to accentuate positive experiences and effectively manage the impact of negative life circumstances. Such relationships could be described as having the communication components that contribute to both lasting and fulfilling connection. Utilizing a resilience theory framework (Beck, 2016; Beck & Socha, 2015; Buzzanell, 2010; Lucas & Buzzanell, 2012), this chapter provides an investigation into the process of cultivating various positive contributors toward effective relational functioning.
Toward this end, the chapter will first provide a summary of the nature and experience of relational flourishing or thriving. The chapter will then summarize the relevant interdisciplinary trends for resilience theory (with particular emphasis on the co-construction of resilience in ongoing dating and married relationships). Next, the chapter will describe aspects of resilience-promoting communication, as represented by proactive, active, and reactive stages, composed of both assets and resources ideally cultivated across a couple’s broader socioecological framework. Such communication has overlaps with extant relational and positive communication theory, for example in the forms of supportive communication, humor, effective conflict management, relational maintenance strategies, and forgiveness and reconciliation. Finally, implications for both investigating and practicing flourishing within relationships will be discussed.
