I am interested in relational identity, and particularly how individuals define themselves in terms of their romantic relationship. My current program of research focuses on how one’s relational identity affects their positive relationship behaviours, such as how they deal with relationship conflict, as well as how they cope with relationship dissolution. Thus far, we have demonstrated that the more individuals identify with their relationship, the more likely it is they will exhibit relatively spontaneous positive relationship maintenance behaviours. Moreover, individuals who continue to identify with a relationship after its dissolution experience negative psychological and social effects. I hope to conduct further research exploring the processes that underlie relationship identification, and the possible negative consequences of “over-identification".

My research interests are spread over several complementary themes: relational insecurity, interpersonal behaviour, and the need for relatedness. Most of my projects have investigated situations or processes of relationship initiation and development. I have used a variety of methods and paradigms in my research, from lab-based social cognition to field studies of speed-dating. I am particularly interested in how the different cognitions and motivations of the insecure are manifested behaviourally, and how their behaviour might impede the formation of satisfying relationships, thereby continuing their negative relational experiences. Given the well-documented importance of relatedness to healthy psychological and even physical functioning, I hope that a better understanding of the ways in which the insecure fail will suggest new strategies to assist them in successfully meeting their relatedness needs.