This introduction to marriage and the family accentuates the positive aspects of relationships and focuses on enriching students' knowledge and experience in building strong, successful relationships. The authors, both seasoned family scholars and therapists, integrate research, theory, and practical application with an interdisciplinary perspective of marriage and family. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on both the diversity of ethnic and cultural groups as well as the types of family structures and intimate relationships that are common today. A variety of personal assessments and end-of-chapter exercises are provided to increase student understanding of interpersonal relationships.