Interpersonal Processes Lab

Kristin Sommer, Ph.D.

Lab location: NVC 8-138

Members of the Interpersonal Processes Lab are involved in two main streams of research. The first examines the cognitive and behavioral consequences of interpersonal rejection. We are investigating the myriad ways in which self-protection motives following rejection influence perceptions of, and behaviors toward, new (non-rejecting) relationship partners. We are also interested in people’s experiences with language-based exclusion, both in the form of linguistic ostracism (when others speak in a language one cannot understand) and exclusion based on stereotypes that are triggered by language use.

Our second line of research investigates the psychological benefits of having an influence on others. In collaboration with Dr. Martin Bourgeois (Florida Gulf Coast University), we are seeking to understand how successful or failed social influence within the domains of conformity, persuasion, obedience, compliance and behavioral mimicry impact fundamental human needs for control, belongingness, self-esteem, meaningful existence and accuracy. Our work suggests that the perceived ability to influence others may be an important but neglected variable in the research relating interpersonal relationships to health and well-being.

Doctoral student members of the lab are also conducting research on a wide variety of topics within social, personality and industrial-organizational psychology. See individual bios for more information.

Current Doctoral Advisees:

John Capman
Julia Leone
Tiwi Marira
Michael Covell

Previous advisees (now Ph.D’s):

John Fernandez
Orly Dotan
Juran Yoon
Dan Benkendorf
Stefanie Bruno
Lauren Mondo Kane
Chad Parson