In the Conflict Resolution (CORE) lab, we focus on understanding the psychological experience of harming others (the transgressor’s perspective) and being harmed by others (the victim’s perspective), with a focus on the predictors and consequences of various responses to these acts of harm. Much of the work we conduct aims to identify the psychological barriers that transgressors and victims face when deciding how to respond to each other. For example, what stands in the way of a transgressor offering a heartfelt apology that has the power to mend a valued relationship? What moves a victim towards forgiveness rather than revenge? Understanding the psychological processes underlying various responses to conflict provides useful information about what active psychological ingredients might be targeted to promote more constructive behavior. In addition to examining the predictors of responses to conflict, we also seek to understand the consequences of these responses.

In a second program of research, we seek to build a bridge between political opponents. The last decade has seen historic levels of partisan division in American politics. Disputes over politics have entered people’s homes, taking over their dinner conversations and straining their relationships. Partisans demonize the other side, judging their values to be inferior and immoral. Although considered normative, this political division poses a major threat to our democracy, public health, and valued relationships. We are working to understand how we can motivate people to reach across the political divide to learn about the other side. Can we invest effort to understand and empathize with political counterparts, rather than reduce them to an ideological stereotype? How can we learn to engage in constructive dialogue with those across the aisle? We strive to answer these types of questions by conducting theory-guided research that can have important applications to the real world.