Broadly speaking, this research program investigates how we perceive, understand, and interact with others, and how positive relationships develop. We seek to understand these various processes within a social cognitive framework, and by employing multiple methodologies and measures.
A key component of the research program is to study group behaviour not only from an individual's perspective but from multiple perspectives (e.g., from both members of a romantic couple). Interpersonal and intergroup relationships are part of daily life, and close relationships are crucial to individuals' well-being.
Identifying the factors that maintain harmonious intergroup relationships and satisfying close relationships can assist individuals in achieving positive and healthy lifetime outcomes. Relationship quality also has long-term implications throughout the life course. Thus, strong, satisfying interpersonal relationships form the foundation of supportive family structures, and contribute to well-being throughout the lifespan.
We investigate topics such as:
Decision making
Researcher: Dr Phoebe Bailey
Personality and individual differences, evolutionary social psychology and adaptive individual differences
Researcher: Dr Peter Jonason