About: The Lab

Research in the Laboratory for Social Connectedness and Health (LSCH) centers on close relationships.

We study, examine, investigate, explore, and analyze how and why deep embeddedness in high-quality relationships is associated with good health. We also study relationship disruptions (e.g., breakups and divorce) as well as various forms of social disconnection (e.g., loneliness and social isolation) as risk factors for poor health. 

We pursue open science as a core value, and, increasingly, much of our research centers on causal inference using a variety of statistical tools and diverse research methodologies. The LSCH is directed by David A. Sbarra, Ph.D., EOS Foundation Endowed Chair in Health Psychology and Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona. Welcome!

Lab Values and Mission Statement

Our work in the Laboratory for Social Connectedness and Health (LSCH) is guided by the core principles of transparency, rigor, and falsification. We believe the best science is open science, and we recognize that doing transparent scientific work—from preregistration to preparing computationally reproducible code and sharing data—can be a slow and deliberate process. With all our work, we attempt to put our favored hypotheses to severe tests using multiple methods and analytic procedures. We value curiosity, inclusivity, and intellectual humility; we hold strong beliefs lightly and enjoy the process of discovery. As Sharon Begley wrote, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”