Research Spotlight

Parents of college students regularly find themselves in quite a bind – they have to figure out that … [Read more...] about Because I Said So…At Least Until You Say So: Parental Authority Over College-Aged Kids

  Need a boost in your romantic relationship? A dose of gratitude may do the trick, according to … [Read more...] about An Attitude of Gratitude as a Relationship Rx

The summer is heating up, and for many of us that means it’s time to hit the beach and soak up the … [Read more...] about The Secret Ingredient to a Great Summer Tan: Carotenoids

We’re all likely familiar with the idea that love is energizing; for example, Joe Cocker and … [Read more...] about Need An Energy Boost? Try Thinking about Your Partner

Are you a sexual person? (This is not a trick question.) Let me ask it a different way: What kind of … [Read more...] about What Kind of Sexual Personality Do You Have?

Think about the last time your friend or romantic partner did something nice for you. Now think … [Read more...] about Have To or Want To?: Deciphering Your Partner’s Motivations for Helping You

You likely heard this song at some point in your childhood (though likely with different names, … [Read more...] about Opting Out of Parenthood: How Couples Navigate the Decision to Not Have Children

Consuming alcohol can both benefit and harm romantic relationships. For example, drinking can be a … [Read more...] about Is Your Partner Drinking Your Relationship to Death? Drinking Problems and Relationship Problems

You’re probably wondering what a “relfie” is, so let’s start there. A relfie (you heard it here … [Read more...] about What Does Your “Relfie” Say About Your Relationship?

Although the discussion of fake orgasms dates back at least 100 years,1 the diner scene in the 1989 … [Read more...] about Fake, Fake, Fake, Fake: The Four Factors of Female’s Fake Orgasms

Many social situations can provoke anxiety. Be it a networking event for work or having unannounced … [Read more...] about Women are More Socially Anxious than Men – But Only Just

“Roses are red, violets are blue; when I’m around flowers I’m more attracted to you!”    Whether … [Read more...] about Flower Power: How Flowers Influence Relationship Choices

Oxytocin is a hormone that promotes bonding during the early stages of relationship development, … [Read more...] about The Dark Side of Oxytocin

As a relationship researcher and college instructor I often have conversations with students who are … [Read more...] about We Suck. I Suck. Let’s Do Shots!: When Do Relationships Affect Drinking Behaviors?

About a year ago, I made a very silly, and costly, mistake. I forgot my backpack in a cab. My … [Read more...] about Divide and Conquer: Having a Different Outlook from Your Partner Can Be a Good Thing