Her research program has focused primarily on the features and functions of emotions within interpersonal contexts, and on betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness in personal relationships. Along with publishing widely on these topics, she has addressed many community groups on topics such as the emotionally intelligent marriage, and the causes and consequences of familial rejection. She is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and was an Associate Editor of Psychological Science between 2010 and 2012. She is currently Editor of the journal Personal Relationships.