Dr. Aron's research centers on the self-expansion model of motivation and cognition in personal relationships. His major current research programs focus on the following topics: (a) the cognitive overlap of self and other in close relationships, (b) how shared participation in novel and arousing activities can enhance relationship quality, (c) the role of friendship with members of ethnic outgroups in reducing intergroup prejudice, and (d) identifying the neural circuits engaged by relationship-relevant cognitions and emotions. In addition, he is engaged in a major collaborative research program with Dr. Elaine Aron on the "highly sensitive person," including studies of the interaction of childhood environment with this apparently inherited trait in predicting adult functioning.
