Welcome
Most people rate their close relationships as their most important source of personal happiness, but developing and sustaining satisfying relationships is not always easy. Why are some people better able to cultivate secure and well-functioning relationships, and how do these relationships help people thrive? In the UCSB Close Relationships Lab, we use theory and methods in Social Psychology to answer these and other fascinating questions about intimate relationships. Our work lies at the interface of close relationships, social cognition, and health psychology. Much of our work is guided by adult attachment theory, focusing on both normative processes and individual differences. In doing so, we take a biopsychosocial perspective, investigating the complex links between affect, cognition, social behavior, and biology. We use multiple methodologies including experimental, observational, and daily diary methods. Our current work also uses immersive virtual environments, neuroendocrine and cardiovascular assessments, and brain imaging.
Please browse our website for more details about our work. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for your interest in our research.
Nancy Collins, Ph.D
Most people rate their close relationships as their most important source of personal happiness, but developing and sustaining satisfying relationships is not always easy. Why are some people better able to cultivate secure and well-functioning relationships, and how do these relationships help people thrive? In the UCSB Close Relationships Lab, we use theory and methods in Social Psychology to answer these and other fascinating questions about intimate relationships. Our work lies at the interface of close relationships, social cognition, and health psychology. Much of our work is guided by adult attachment theory, focusing on both normative processes and individual differences. In doing so, we take a biopsychosocial perspective, investigating the complex links between affect, cognition, social behavior, and biology. We use multiple methodologies including experimental, observational, and daily diary methods. Our current work also uses immersive virtual environments, neuroendocrine and cardiovascular assessments, and brain imaging.
Please browse our website for more details about our work. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for your interest in our research.
Nancy Collins, Ph.D