What’s the secret ingredient that makes a happy couple or family?
Analysis by University of Rochester researchers shows that psychological flexibility can shape how individuals interact with the people closest to them.
Why ‘playing hard to get’ may actually work
“Playing hard to get makes it seem as if you are more in demand—we call that having higher mate value,” says Harry Reis, a University of Rochester psychologist who collaborated on a new study that examined the mating strategy.
Reading your partner’s emotions correctly when it matters
A new study shows that couples who accurately perceive appeasement emotions, such as embarrassment, have better relationships than those who feel anger or contempt.
Do open relationships work?
Past studies have attempted to gauge the success of nonmonogamous relationships. Now a Rochester team has studied the distinctions and nuances within various types of nonmonogamous relationships and found that solid communication is key.
Applying psychology to online dating
“There’s the old saying that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince—and I think that really applies to online dating,” says professor Harry Reis in an NBC News post on how to be better at online dating, according to psychology.
Cut to the chase: Can sex help start a relationship?
Researchers have demonstrated how sex and sexual desire play a major role not only in attracting potential partners to each other, but also in encouraging the formation of romantic relationships and emotional bonding.
Love in the time of Tinder
More than one-third of the sample in a recent survey by associate professor of psychology Ronald Rogge used dating apps. Rogge joined professor Harry Reis on WXXI to discuss this and other changes in dating culture.
Uncertainty in a date dampens interest in a mate
A new study by psychologists in Rochester and Israel shows those who feel greater certainty that a prospective romantic partner shares their interest will put more effort into seeing that person again.
Tis better to give—to your spouse
A new study has found that partners felt an emotional benefit when they put aside their own needs for the sake of their spouse, even if their acts of compassion were not explicitly noticed by their spouse.
Online dating brings matches, but it isn’t scientific
Online dating is second only to “meeting through friends” as the most popular form of matchmaking, and Rochester psychologist Harry Reis has been investigating the phenomenon as the stigma has lifted.