My research interests meet at the intersection between the self and close relationships. In general, I’m interested in how the self impacts relationships and how relationships impact the self. One line of my research involves attachment theory. Currently my focus is on how romantic partners act as secure bases and promote exploration of the world. A second line of research utilizing attachment theory examines pets as potential attachment figures and exploring the various functions (e.g., secure base, proximity maintenance) that they may serve. Other lines of my research utilize interdependence theory. One line is examining how individuals’ relationship with the environment predicts their environmental behavior. I am also interested in studying the properties of social awkwardness.
Current Projects
Currently I am evaluating data from a marital study to determine how moral behaviors influence attachment in couples. I’m preparing an additional study to further my work on exploration between romantic partners. Further, I’m analyzing a number of datasets on other topics such as entrepreneurship and disgust among couples.
