Communication and Close Relationships
Research Focus
Interpersonal relationships are, in large measure, defined and sustained by various consequential conversations people engage in. We argue to resolve conflict, seek and convey support, and gain and resist compliance. These conversations both reflect and have the potential to alter the nature of the relationships in which they occur.
Key Questions
- How do conflict conversations shape relationship quality over time?
- What makes social support effective in close relationships?
- How do compliance-gaining strategies affect relationship dynamics?
- What role do emotions play in consequential conversations?
Methods
My program of research examines the cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of conversations in close relationships through:
- Longitudinal survey studies
- Experimental designs
- Physiological measures (e.g., cortisol, heart rate variability)
- Multilevel structural equation modeling
- Dynamic dyadic systems analysis
Representative Publications
Zhang, X., Oh, Y. J., & Egbert, N. (2024). Mental health medicalization on TikTok: Self-diagnosis practices and validation seeking among youth. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 29(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmae012
Zhang, X., & Egbert, N. (2024). “Does this sound like ADHD?” Self-diagnosis validation seeking and community responses in r/ADHD. Health Communication, 39(8), 1587-1597. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2023.2228843
Contact: zxinyu@msu.edu for collaborations