Abstract This article introduces a metatheoretical framework—the Relationship Trajectories Framework—that conceptualizes how human mating relationships develop across their complete time span, from the moment two people meet until the relationship ends. The framework depicts relationships as arc-shaped evaluative trajectories that vary on five dimensions: shape (which includes ascent, peak, and descent), fluctuation, threshold, composition, and density. The framework can depict single trajectories in isolation or two partners’ trajectories with respect to each other (dyadic trajectories). Two theoretical models demonstrate the generative power of the framework—the relationship coordination and strategic timing (ReCAST) model and the sociosexuality trajectory model—both of which integrate close relationships and evolutionary psychological perspectives on mating. Finally, additional examples illustrate how the framework can generate new research questions about core relationships topics.

中文翻译：

---

关系轨迹：元理论框架和理论应用

摘要 本文介绍了一个元理论框架——关系轨迹框架——它概念化了人类交配关系如何在整个时间跨度内发展，从两个人相遇的那一刻到关系结束。该框架将关系描述为在五个维度上变化的弧形评估轨迹：形状（包括上升、峰值和下降）、波动、阈值、组成和密度。该框架可以单独描绘单个轨迹或两个合作伙伴相对于彼此的轨迹（二元轨迹）。两个理论模型展示了该框架的生成能力——关系协调和战略时机 (ReCAST) 模型和社会性行为轨迹模型——两者都整合了亲密关系和关于交配的进化心理学观点。最后，其他示例说明了该框架如何生成有关核心关系主题的新研究问题。