Dr. Lisa Neff

Professor

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Biography

Lisa Neff, Professor in the Department of Human Development & Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin, is an expert in marriage and family relationships. Her extensive research, funded by the National Science Foundation, focuses on how couples’ relationships develop and change over time. Neff has served as an Associate Editor for prominent journals in her field, including the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and Personal Relationships. She has received several awards for her contributions to relationship science, including the Caryl E. Rusbult Early Career Award from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. Her research examines the dynamics of couples’ relationships, especially concerning how couples maintain initial feelings of love and happiness in the face of long-term challenges. This work involves longitudinal studies, utilizing a mix of self-report surveys, daily assessments, and observational data gathered over several years. Neff's lab investigates the risk factors associated with relationship decline and the unique challenges faced by couples during critical life transitions, such as the empty nest phase. Her academic interests cover areas related to adult development, health contexts, and interpersonal relationships.

Research Interests

Awards

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Caryl E. Rusbult Early Career Award

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College of Natural Sciences Teaching Excellence Award

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International Association for Relationship Research Dissertation Award

Requirements for University of Texas at Austin

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.