Self and Relationships Connecting Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Processes

This volume brings together leading investigators who integrate two distinct research domains in social psychology--people's internal worlds and their close relationships. Contributors present compelling findings on the bidirectional interplay between internal processes, such as self-esteem and self-regulation, and relationship processes, such as how positively partners view each other, whether they are dependent on each other, and the level of excitement in the relationship. Methodological challenges inherent in studying these complex issues are described in depth, as are implications for understanding broader aspects of psychological functioning and well-being.

Kathleen D. Vohs, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. After receiving her PhD in psychological and brain sciences from Dartmouth College in 2000, Dr. Vohs conducted research at the University of Utah and Case Western Reserve University under a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. Most recently, she held the Canada Research Chair in Marketing Science and Consumer Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Vohs has contributed over 60 professional publications, which focus on understanding processes related to self-regulation, self-esteem, interpersonal functioning, impulsive spending, impression management, and bulimia. Her research has been extended to the domains of chronic dieting, sexuality, and personal finances.

Eli J. Finkel, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University. After receiving his PhD in social psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2001, Dr. Finkel served for 2 years as a postdoctoral fellow at Carnegie Mellon University under a grant from the National Institutes of Health. His research has examined the impact of self-processes (e.g., self-concept, self-regulatory dynamics, narcissistic entitlement) on relationships, and of relationship processes (e.g., interpersonal emotion expression, relationship commitment, social coordination) on the self. Dr. Finkel's most recent research focuses on the interplay between self and relationship dynamics in the first minutes, hours, and days of initial romantic attraction.