Research
Social Connection and Exclusion
Social exclusion is a powerful experience that threatens basic psychological needs, occurring at the interpersonal and institutional levels. Even brief or subtle instances of ostracism—being ignored and excluded—can undermine well-being. I investigate how it is induced, how people react, and effective strategies that help them recover.
Relationships and Singlehood
Relationships require constant decision-making—from initiation to dissolution—and these decisions rarely occur in isolation. I examine how people are influenced within and by their romantic, platonic, professional, and adversarial relationships, and when certain voices in one’s network carry more weight than others. I also study the experiences of single people, including the stigma surrounding singlehood.
Social Technologies and Media
Technology and media shape how we experience social connection—and exclusion. In turn, social needs shape how we use technology. I have examined how exclusion relates to anticipated online engagement and willingness to share misinformation, and whether brief exposure to instrumental music can help people recover from exclusion.