The research conducted in the Pitt Relationship Processes Lab aims to enhance our understanding of the processes that promote and undermine the development and maintenance of high-quality close relationships. Much of our work focuses on the interpersonal dynamics surrounding emotional expressivity, self-disclosure, and partner responsiveness.
We approach our research questions using a combination of correlational and experimental methods with an emphasis on capturing real behavior across a range of interpersonal contexts. Current projects examine predictors and consequences of negative expressivity; effective support-seeking behaviors; self-disclosure and relationship representations in social media contexts; maintenance processes in romantic relationships; and the role of instrumentality in relationship evaluations.
The lab is located in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, and is directed by Amanda Forest.
