Positive Relationships, 2012 Evidence Based Practice across the World

Relationships are at the heart of our lives; at home with our families, with our friends, in schools and colleges, with colleagues at the workplace and in our diverse communities. The quality of these relationships determines our individual well-being, how well we learn, develop and function, our sense of connectedness with others and the health so society. This unique volume brings together authorities from across the world to write about how relationships might be enhanced in all these different areas of our lives. It also explores how to address the challenges involved in establishing and maintaining positive relationships. This evidence-based book, primarily grounded in the science of positive psychology, is valuable for academics, especially psychologists and professionals, working in the field of well-being.

1. Introduction; Sue Roffey.- 2. Wellbeing and Resilience in Young People and the Role of Positive Relationships; Toni Noble and Helen McGrath - 3. Peaceful and Compassionate Futures: positive relationships as an antidote to violence; Robyn Hromek and Nagela Walsh - 4. Learning about Relationships; Gretchen Brion-Meisels and Stephanie Jones - 5. Positive Couple Relationships: the evidence for long lasting relationship satisfaction and happiness; Vagdevi Meunier and Wayne Baker - 6. Positive Parent-child Relationships; Kimberly O'Brien and Jane Mosco - 7. Promoting Positive Outcomes for Children Experiencing Change in Family Relationships; Emilia Dowling and Di Elliot - 8. Friendships: the Power of Positive Alliance; Karen Majors - 9. Developing Positive Relationships in Schools; Sue Roffey - 10. Positive Relationships at Work; Sue Langley - 11. Positive Professional Relationships; Elizabeth Gillies - 12. Positive Mentoring Relationships: nuturing potential; Ann Brewer - 13. Spirited Leadership: growing leaders for the future; Hilary Armstrong - 14. Positive Community Relations: border crossings and re-positioning the "other"; Florence McCarthy and Margaret Vickers - 15. Positive Relations between Members of Groups with Divergent Beliefs and Cultures; Zalman Kastel - 16. Conflict and Confrontation; Lois Edmund - 17. The repair and restoration of Relationships; Peta Blood.-     

Sue Roffey is a psychologist, academic and author. She is currently adjunct research fellow at the University of Western Sydney and educational consultant. Her research and publications highlight the importance of participation, a sense of belonging, relational values and relational quality for wellbeing and the development of pro-social behaviour. Sue is a founding member of the Wellbeing Australia Network and on the NSW Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.