Research Interests
Depression and Marital Functioning
A major focus of the research in our lab is directed at understanding the bidirectional effects of marital functioning and depression. One line of research involves studying the role of marital functioning in the etiology, course, and treatment of depression. For example, we evaluate marital interaction, partner behaviors, and relationship cognitions among couples in predicting current and future depression. We are also evaluating the impact of divorce on depression and other mental and physical health problems. We have also been interested in evaluating and improving the efficacy of marital therapy as a treatment for depression.
Cognitive and Interpersonal Aspects of Depression
Our lab has been developing new methods for assessing cognitive vulnerabilities associated with depression, and we have been evaluating how cognitive vulnerabilities interact with life events in predicting the onset and course of depression. In addition, we have been interested in how problematic interpersonal behavior patterns may serve to reinforce and maintain negative cognitions.
Process and Outcome for Cognitive Therapy of Depression
An ongoing focus of our research has been evaluating the moderators and mediators of change in cognitive therapy for depression, in order to increase our understanding of who is likely to benefit from treatment and "how" cognitive therapy works. We have also been interested in studying the processes of cognitive therapy (e.g., homework adherence) and modeling how treatments for depression result in changes in depression and underlying vulnerabilities.
Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment of Marital Distress
A major focus of our lab has focused on communication processes associated with relationship distress, and developing new methods for studying the role of relationship cognitions. We have also been interested in evaluating and improving the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral treatment for relationship distress, particularly relationship distress that co-occurs with psychiatric disorders.