Research in the Self and Motivation Lab examines how aspects of the self, such as trait self-esteem, contingencies of self-worth, and rejection sensitivity interact with situational factors to influence intrapersonal and interpersonal outcomes.

We propose that when the motivation underlying behaviors reflects preoccupation with the self, people are vulnerable to experiencing costs to their psychological health, well-being, and interpersonal relationships. In one line of work, we examine how being sensitive to rejection based on appearance – Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity -- affects people's mental and physical health and responses to appearance-based threats.

In a second line of work, we examine how threats to different domains of contingency (e.g., appearance, competence) affect people's coping responses, goal pursuits, and implicit associations. In a third line of work, we investigate people's underlying motivations for behaviors and examine their differing consequences for mental and physical health, relationships, and psychological well-being.