My primary research interests focus on three general topics:

(1) Attachment tendencies in romantic relationships. Everyone experiences moments of interpersonal insecurity. Attachment insecurity in adulthood manifests as the tendency to fear being abandoned or rejected by others (attachment anxiety) and/or the tendency to feel discomfort with dependence and closeness (attachment avoidance). Although these adult attachment orientations often reflect stable individual features, they may be malleable. Current projects combine experimental and longitudinal methods to examine the malleability of attachment orientations.

(2) Partner violence. Specific topics include: victim coping with partner violence, particularly as affected by the victim's relationship commitment and support from friends and family members; acceptability of violence; violence against Latina victims.

(3) Relationship commitment and stability. Specific topics include: how dating partners make the transition from casual dating to long-term relationships; managing uncertainty in relationships; and commitment as reflected in social networks and the physical environment.