Dr. Brooke Feeney

Biography

Brooke Feeney's research addresses the general questions surrounding close relationships and the specific social behaviors and interactions that occur within these relationships, aimed at facilitating or hindering human thriving. Her work involves detailed observations and assessments of social interactions, particularly within the life contexts of the adult lifespan, examining both the immediate and long-term impacts of specific social behaviors and interaction patterns. The outcomes of interest include mental health, physical health, life expectancy, relationship stability, personal growth, and resilience, as well as happiness and life satisfaction. Feeney's research utilizes large samples of community dyads and a variety of research methods, including video-recording and coding, to assess the physiological underpinnings of social interactions. Her lab has developed extensive observational coding systems to analyze a wide range of social behaviors across different contexts, including coping with stressors, conflicts, and play. Current studies focus on various types of relationships, such as marriages and parent-adolescent dyads, with particular emphasis on the effects of social behaviors on health and happiness in elderly couples. Feeney's research is funded by the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Science Foundation.

Research Interests