Dr. van Raalte explores how communication in close personal relationships influences one’s health. These outcomes might mean psychological health, physiological health, and/or relationship quality. Her current focus explores the health benefits of affectionate communication.
In addition to her main focus of romantic relationships, Dr. van Raalte also investigates family relationships, doctor-patient communication, sport communication, and casual sex relationships such as friends with benefits. The majority of her work adopts quantitative research methods including survey and experimental work, but qualitative methods are used when necessary.
Lisa J. van Raalte, Ph.D. 