My Research
How can we foster social cohesion in an increasingly fragmented world? My research seeks to answer this question by examining the power of intersections—where diverse identities, perspectives, and group memberships converge—as critical sites for fostering understanding and cooperation.
Grounded in theories of social identity and intergroup dynamics, my work investigates how individuals and groups navigate complex, cross-cutting social identities, integrate diverse perspectives, and challenge norms that enforce rigid boundaries between groups. By doing so, I seek to uncover the psychological mechanisms that enable empathy, reduce conflict, and build meaningful connections across group lines.
My research highlights the dual nature of social intersections: where tension and opportunity coexist, and where the potential for conflict mirrors the capacity for connection. I aim to advance our understanding of how to navigate diversity and disagreement to promote collective well-being and a more cohesive society.
Social Identity Complexity
Individuals belong to many different social groups, and some combinations of groups are rarer than others (e.g., Christian liberals, gay Republicans). This work investigates how the perceived overlap between one’s multiple social groups influences how they think about themselves and others. In a recent paper published in JESP, I find that individuals who perceive their political identity to be more distinct from their other social identities judge out-party members less harshly.
Contrarianism
Many psychological theories are centered around the idea that people innately conform to social norms. Yet, society is shaped by those who resist this tendency, thinking and acting in ways that divert from the mainstream. In a recent paper published in Personality and Individual Differences, I introduce the Contrarianism Scale, a novel measure of individual differences in nonconformity. I discuss how understanding contrarianism, its manifestations and motivations, can make norm-based behavioral interventions more effective.
Bridging Political Divides
Developing and evaluating interventions designed to address ideological and affective political polarization. I have worked with national and local nonprofits to study the efficacy of community bridge-building efforts and have experimentally investigated the effects of correcting individuals’ misperceptions about changes in in-party and out-party support for key social issues.
Moral Beliefs and Behavior
My research has explored a range of other topics related to moral beliefs and behavior. In one paper published in Scientific Reports, I investigate how group membership influences moral decisions, such as punishment and partner rejection. In another paper published in Social Cognition, I find that autistic individuals place less emphasis on certain kinds of moral values, called “binding moral values” and experience social comparisons differently. In a third paper in press, I explore how people perceive relationship-based motives for prosocial behavior.
Social Network Diversity & Well-being
Investigating the role of diverse social networks in promoting mental health and fostering resilience. My analysis of data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how network diversity can buffer against stress and isolation, with broader implications for societal well-being.