My research is devoted to understanding why (and how) people differ in their responses to emotional experiences and information, as well as the consequences of these differences for behavior, cognition, and physiology. I’m especially interested in why people respond defensively in stressful situations, how defensive behaviors are maintained over time, and the long-term consequences of defensive personality processes. Current projects in my lab focus on the behavioral, cognitive, and physiological implications of defensive personality traits, such as attachment avoidance and narcissism. We are also exploring attachment-related differences in psychological and physiological responses to close relationship experiences, such as close intimate contact and the transition to parenthood.