Rachel Vanderbilt, Ph.D.
Summary
I am a relationship scientist who studies interpersonal communication. I received my B.S. in Communication and Rhetorical Studies from Syracuse University, my M.A. in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Central Florida, and my Ph.D. in Communication Arts and Sciences from Penn State University. I have published research in journals such as Personal Relationships, Journal of Language and Social Psychology, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, and Media Psychology.
Research Interests
My research interests broadly center around conflicts that are difficult to resolve. These are called serial arguments. Over the last six years I have studied this phenomenon to assess what makes particular conflicts irresolvable, and what kinds of effects they have on relationships. I also have questioned our understanding of serial arguments as prior research has been largely homogenous in terms of analytical scope and sample diversity. Thus, my program of research has contributed to our understanding of serial arguments in a few key ways:
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I utilize a variety of methods to collect data including longitudinal surveys and lab experiments.
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I collect data from samples varying in age, relationship length, and relationship stage.
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I analyze data using hierarchical linear modeling, multi-level structural equation modeling, and random-intercept cross-lagged panel modeling to assess within time point and over time differences in associations.
In addition, my work has explored seriality as its own construct in an attempt to understand how prior experiences with communication behaviors impact expectations and responses to similar communication in the present.