Current Research
Explore our ongoing research projects and areas of focus
Context in Relationships
Our research challenges the notion that certain relationship behaviors are universally beneficial or harmful. Instead, we demonstrate that the implications of various relationship processes depend on the context in which they occur.
- •Examining how positive processes like forgiveness can sometimes harm relationships
- •Studying how optimistic expectations benefit some couples but harm others
- •Investigating how personality traits interact with relationship processes
- •Analyzing how stress affects relationship functioning
- •Exploring how different communication styles may be adaptive in different contexts
Automatic Processes
Much of how we think and feel about our relationships is automatic – frequently outside of our control and awareness. Using innovative measurement techniques and longitudinal studies, we explore how these automatic processes shape relationship outcomes.
- •Using various implicit measures to assess automatic partner attitudes
- •Examining relationship interventions aimed at shifting automatic partner attitudes
- •Examining the relationship between automatic processes and relationship longevity
- •Investigating how automatic partner attitudes shape relationship behaviors, judgments, and decisions
- •Understanding how automatic partner attitudes change over time
- •Examining when and how people gain insight into their automatic, gut-level feelings
Health and Relationships
The quality of our romantic relationships has profound effects on both physical and mental health. Through diverse methodological approaches, we examine the bidirectional relationship between relationship functioning and health outcomes.
- •Measuring physiological responses during couple conflicts and resolutions
- •Tracking daily health behaviors in relation to relationship satisfaction
- •Examining how partner support influences stress response and recovery
- •Investigating the impact of relationship quality on immune function
- •Studying how health challenges affect relationship dynamics
AI Relationships
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it's crucial to understand its impact on human relationships. We investigate how interactions with AI systems influence our expectations and behaviors in human relationships.
- •Analyzing how AI companion use affects existing human relationships
- •Examining expectations of relationship partners in the age of widespread AI
- •Studying the formation of emotional attachments to AI entities
- •Investigating how AI interactions influence human relationship satisfaction
- •Exploring the role of AI in interventions that improve relationship outcomes
Sexuality in Relationships
Sexual satisfaction plays a crucial role in relationship well-being. Our research examines how sexual dynamics contribute to how couples maintain sexual and relational satisfaction over time.
- •Investigating the bidirectional relationship between sexual and marital satisfaction
- •Studying how sexual frequency influences relationship quality over time
- •Examining how partner responses to sexual advances affect relationship satisfaction
- •Analyzing the role of sexual communication in maintaining relationship quality
- •Exploring how various contexts influence sexual dynamics
Newlywed Couples
The early years of marriage represent a critical period for relationship development and stability. Through intensive longitudinal studies, we track how couples navigate the transition to marriage and establish lasting relationship patterns.
- •Conducting longitudinal studies with couples across their first years of marriage
- •Tracking daily interaction patterns and their impact on relationship quality
- •Studying how couples communicate and resolve conflicts
- •Examining the role of context in relationship dynamics
- •Investigating the role of facial expressions of emotions in conflict resolution outcomes