Research & collaboration.

Measuring romantic chemistry.

Across seven dissertation studies, I developed and evaluated the 25-item Romantic Chemistry (RoCh) Scale in single and partnered samples. Its five related components are compatibility, comfortability, unique connection, positive interactions, and sexual attraction. The scale makes it possible to investigate chemistry as a relationship-specific experience.

I began with people’s own descriptions of chemistry and used factor analysis and item response methods to develop the measure. Partners’ ratings were moderately correlated. In a 21-day study of 122 couples, greater chemistry was associated with more positive daily experiences, including responsiveness, gratitude, commitment, and self-expansion. Other analyses link chemistry with relationship commitment and sexual frequency.

These findings are correlational. The scale-development manuscript is available as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed.

From first impressions to first dates.

People often know what they want in a partner, yet someone who looks ideal on paper may not inspire much attraction. I study how preferences and perceptions relate to romantic interest, and what people learn when they actually interact.

In a study involving 1,869 speed-date evaluations, I examined the accuracy of attachment-related impressions and their associations with dating interest. My Dynamic Model of Early Romantic Evaluation builds on that work by distinguishing partner-based information, such as traits and perceived preference fit, from relationship-specific experiences, such as chemistry and responsiveness.

I am developing an online-dating diary study and a three-date dyadic study with Dr. Amie Gordon at the University of Michigan, supported by a Mitacs Globalink Research Award. The three-date design includes repeated partner assessments and a planned randomized self-disclosure activity. These projects are in development, not completed findings.

Personality and relationship experiences.

Which personal qualities help people build satisfying relationships, and do those benefits extend to their partners? My earlier work examined charisma, sexual desire and satisfaction, and conflict in established relationships.

Across five studies of trait charisma, people higher in charisma generally reported more constructive conflict strategies and greater relationship satisfaction. Associations with their partners’ outcomes were smaller and less consistent. This distinction helps motivate my interest in experiences that arise within a particular pairing, rather than only the characteristics each person brings.