How do close relationships shape our mental and physical health?

The Laboratory for Social Connectedness & Health (LSCH) investigates how and why being deeply embedded in high-quality relationships is associated with good health. We also study relationship disruptions and social disconnection as risk factors for poor health.

The LSCH is led by David A. Sbarra, EOS Foundation Endowed Chair in Health Psychology at the University of Arizona.

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Recent Publications

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Interdependent partners experience stronger affective responses to simultaneous positive and negative social feedback

Guevara Beltran, D., Ma, S., Maresh, E. L., Coppola, A. E., Mehl, M. R., Andrews-Hanna, J. R., & Sbarra, D. (in press). Affective Science.

Genotypic and socioeconomic risks for depressive symptoms in two US cohorts spanning early to older adulthood

Sbarra, D. A., Trejo, S., Harden, K. P., Oliver, J. C., & Klimentidis, Y. C. (2025). Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 134, 746-760.

Beyond goodbye: Daily emotion regulation sensed from deceased loved ones

Stelzer, E., Flores, M., Butler, E., Greenberg J., Mehl, M. R., Sbarra, D., & O'Connor, M.-F. (2025). Journal of Affective Disorders Reports.

Attachment insecurity and partner reflective functioning in the context of long‐distance interracial romantic relationships

Froidevaux, N. M., Millwood, S., Hecht, H. K., Rasmussen, H., Kerr, M. L., Sbarra, D. A., & Borelli, J. L. (2025). Personal Relationships, 32(1), e70004.

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We work with many undergraduate research assistants (RAs). If you’re interested in getting involved with us or learning more, please reach out.

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