Interpersonal functioning across the lifespan: Two principles of relationship regulation

Abstract

What are the behavioral and cognitive mechanisms that constitute diversity in the fabric of social relationships across the lifespan? Interpersonal functioning across the lifespan reflects principles of life-course sociology, and evolutionary life history theory. Variability, elasticity and dynamics of interpersonal contexts across the lifespan reflect the capability of humans to adapt to challenges and constraints of their environment. We submit an integrative framework of relationship regulation across the lifespan that builds on two basic psychological principles of social behavior: the regulation of closeness and the monitoring of reciprocity. The two mechanisms are illustrated in relation to age-specific demands and challenges across the lifespan. We discuss the interplay, salience and functions of the two principles of relationship regulation with respect to specific adaptive effects of social relationships in different lifespan contexts.