We study how foundational characteristics of interpersonal dynamics, meaning-making and human connection observably manifest in conversations textured with the existential experience of serious illness, caregiving or grief. We seek to develop valid, reliable, and socially just methods to inform the epidemiology of these phenomena in large, diverse samples of people and contexts.

See Current Studies.

Social connection is the experience of feeling close to and understood by others. This core human need is facilitated by high quality communication. The VCL conducts a variety of research on social connection, including basic work on understanding social processes within the contexts of individual conversations and larger social networks, as well as interventions to foster interpersonal connection.

See Current Studies.