My research focuses on processes that contribute to couple and family relationship health and how these relationships impact individual well-being. A major emphasis of my work is romantic disengagement -- distancing from one’s partner within specific contexts (e.g., conflict) or more globally (i.e., growing apart over time). I have developed and validated theoretically informed measures of romantic disengagement and other relationship constructs (emotional intimacy, social support receipt), elucidated factors that determine whether individuals will disengage from partners during specific discussions, and demonstrated how disengagement during specific interactions contributes to a process of relationship decline over time. In addition to contributing to relationship decline, romantic disengagement interferes with individuals’ ability to experience the emotion and behavior regulatory benefits of romantic relationships. A major goal of my research program is to develop relationship-based interventions that enhance meaningful and effective engagement or disengagement with close relationship partners to promote individual and relationship health and well-being. Applications of my research have included intimate partner violence prevention. Currently, I am investigating applications for caregivers and traumatized populations.
I am also interested in mindfulness, interventions aimed at enhancing individuals’ intentional and values-driven behavior, and technology that can expand the reach and utility of psychological services and applications.
