My research interests center on a) identifying behaviors and cognitions in relationships that foster relationship satisfaction and persistence and b) understanding how close relationships promote individual well-being. Specifically, I am interested in interpersonal support processes that regulate stress, encourage autonomous goal pursuit, and enhance relationship quality across the lifespan. One key line of research focuses on the role of affectionate touch to promote relational and individual well-being. Another line of research investigates how close others facilitate adjustment to chronic illness or stress. My teaching interests relate to basic and advanced social psychology courses as well as statistics and research methods courses.
