My research interests center on the implicit theories that people hold about their lives, their work, and their relationships. More specifically, I focus on the emotions that such beliefs trigger, the implications of chasing (or achieving) what people believe to be the trademarks of a “good” or “successful” life, and how general ideas about relationships and relationship expectations guide or disrupt workplace social dynamics. Thus, my work often features emotions/emotion regulation and social exchange. Some of my current projects explore how employees develop implicit theories about what is expected of themselves and others, the effects of regulating emotions in pursuit of those expectations, and the emotional and relational consequences triggered when employees fail to “live up” to desired-self goals and others’ expectations.
