Research
Exploring the intersection of close relationships, emotion, motivation, and parentood.
Close relationships are central to human health and well-being. Moreover, the health of the relationship between parents not only influences the parents themselves, but also has profound implications for the well-being and development of their child. Because of this vast importance of intimate and parenting relationships, in the RAMP lab we are focused on understanding (a) pivotal relationship interactions, such as social support, gratitude, and capitalization interactions, and (b) the individual difference, dyad-specific, and social situational variables that promote relationship well-being.
To understand the factors that contribute to healthy intimate and parenting relationships, our work draws heavily on research in affective and motivation science. For instance, we have drawn from theories such as the Find, Remind, and Bind Model of gratitude and The-Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions to suggest that affective experiences play a central role in healthy relationship functioning. Similarly, we have drawn on theory and research in motivation science (e.g., Self-Determination Theory and Approach-Avoidance Motives) to suggest that motivation, too, plays a critical role in healthy intimate and parenting relationships.
In another line of work, we have also explored how motivation and affect can be transformed via mindfulness, for the benefit of relationships. As such, we have conducted numerous studies demonstrating how mindfulness and meditation promote healthy relationships, because of how they tend to beneficially transform to affect and motivation.
To learn more about any of this, hop on over to the publications section of the website where you can read more about our work.