Sandra Murray, University at Buffalo

Are close relationships in peril? Loneliness is increasing and markers of social engagement (e.g., marriage) are decreasing. This special section hopes to provide insight into this question by tackling the socially nested nature of interdependence itself.

Close relationships with significant others take place in the broader context of family responsibilities, such as those involved in parenting children and caring for aging parents; in the broader context of friendship networks, and broader communities; in the context of sociopolitical pressures, such as economic stress, racism, and political polarization; and in the context of technological changes, such as those posed by the insertion of AI into social life.

Potential topics

• How contextual or socially nested nature of interdependence shapes close relationship dynamics
• Relationship dynamics relevant to relationship initiation, maintenance, or dissolution
• Close relationships in the broader context of family responsibilities (parenting children, caring for aging parents)
• Close relationships in the broader context of friendship networks and communities
• Close relationships in the context of sociopolitical pressures (economic stress, racism, political polarization)
• Close relationships in the context of technological changes (AI insertion into social life)

Timeline

• November 1, 2026: Submission deadline opens
• January 31, 2027: Full paper submission deadline