Relationship Regulation and Personality Across the Life Course
(funded by the German Research Foundation DFG since 2005)
Franz J. Neyer & Cornelia Wrzus (Potsdam University)
Frieder R. Lang & Jenny Wagner (University Erlangen-Nürnberg)
This project is part of an ongoing research program initiated by Franz J. Neyer
(Potsdam University) and Frieder R. Lang (University of Erlangen-Nürnberg). The
aim is the elaboration and extension of a theoretical model of relationship
regulationwith respect to middle and old age and its particular contextual
conditions (Neyer &Lang, 2003, 2004; Lang & Neyer, 2004, 2005).
The project investigates the emergence and interplay of two basic mechanisms of
relationship regulation (i.e., the regulation of closeness and the regulation of
reciprocity) depending on the demands of (a) earlier and later stages of the family
life cycle, and (b) different family forms (e.g., traditional, childless, divorced,
widowed). Based upon evolutionary considerations, we investigate how the
regulation of closeness and reciprocity contributes to the differentiation between
kinship, friendship, and cooperation.
In the first phase of the project (2005-2007), we studied relationship
regulation during earlier stages of family formation by comparing childless
couples with young families (i.e., traditional and Patchwork families)
(age 30-45). In the second phase (2007-2009) we plan to compare relationship
regulation between older adults (age 65-80) and very old adults (age
80-95). The data of both project phases will provide the unique opportunity of a
comparative perspective on relationship regulation in reproductive and post-
reproductive stages of the family life cycle.
Further specific research questions address how older adults may be able
to maintain social participation at a very high level despite the tremendous
losses that take place especially in very old age. It is assumed that the
importance of closeness regulation will increase with age, while the regulation
of reciprocity will generally decrease pending on the different requirements of
specific family life patterns. The project is part of the DFG program "Beziehungs-
und Familienentwicklung" (Relationship and Family Development).