Research: Interpersonal relationships, friendship networks, intergroup behavior, social dilemmas

The focus of my research is decidedly interpersonal in nature, examining the interdependence between people who are close to one another. Within this broad theme, we have developed three significant programs of research; 1) the role of commitment in romantic relationships, 2) personal growth in romantic relationships, and 3) various aspects of friendship networks. While the programs of research emphasize different aspects of close relationships and use different methods to study them, they are bound by an emphasis on the interdependent nature of all close relationships. What happens to you in a dating relationship or a friendship is a product not only of your behavior, but of the behavior of your interaction partner as well. Thus, relationship partners (whether romantic or friendship) have a considerable influence on each other. Examining the influence process leads to exciting new knowledge about the form and substance of close relationships. Students within the lab engage in all aspects of the research endeavor including theory development, research design, data collection, data handling, and data analysis.

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138 Ames Hall
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Johns Hopkins University
3400 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: 410-516-6703
Fax: 410-516-4478