Relationship Science Lab

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Self-Expansion

A majority of my work examines self-expansion, a motivation to enhance the self’s capabilities through the accumulation of knowledge, experience, identity and other resources, largely through relationships. Thus, my research program examines self-expansion and self processes in several facets of relationships: relationship initiation, attraction, relationship maintenance, susceptibility to infidelity, and break-up. 

Dr. Lewandowski discusses self-expansion with the Millionaire Matchmaker.

Relationship Processes

Other relationship research focuses on how learning about someone’s personality influences perceptions of their physical attractiveness, the experience of personal growth and positive outcomes following relationship dissolution, including strategies to promote positive outcomes. 

Selected Articles (*=Undergraduate Co-Author)

  • Lewandowski, G. W., Jr., Mattingly, B. A., & Pedreiro, A.* (2014). Under pressure: The effects of stress on positive and negative relationship behaviors. Journal of Social Psychology, 154, 463-473. doi: 10.1080/00224545.2014.933162

  • Lewandowski, G. W., Jr., & Nardone, N.* (2012). Self-concept clarity's role in self-other agreement and the accuracy of behavioral prediction. Self and Identity, 11, 71-89. doi: 10.1080/15298868.2010.512133

  • Lewandowski, G. W., Jr., Ciarocco, N., Pettenato, M.*, & Stephan, J.* (2012). Pick me up: Ego depletion and depletion and receptivity to relationship initiation. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 29, 1071-1084. doi: 10.1177/0265407512449401

  • Lewandowski, G. W., Jr. (2009). Promoting positive emotions following relationship dissolution through writing. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(1), 21-31. doi:10.1080/17439760802068480

Self & Identity

Another major line of research focuses on self-processes. Specifically I have focused on the benefits of self-concept clarity, or how clearly and confidently one defines the self, on how accurately a person's knows their self. The main line of inquiry, however, explores the nature and benefits of self-expansion outside of relationships. These benefits include increased effort, increased self-efficacy, and increased job satisfaction and commitment. 

Selected Articles (*=Undergraduate Co-Author)

  • McIntyre, K. P., Mattingly, B. A., Lewandowski, G. W., Jr., & Simpson, A.* (2015). When “we” changes “me”: The two-dimensional model of relational self-change and relationship outcomes. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 32, 857–878. doi: 10.1177/0265407514553334.

  • McIntyre, K. P., Mattingly, B. A., Lewandowski, G. W., Jr., & Simpson, A.* (2014). Workplace self-expansion: Implications for job satisfaction, commitment, self-concept clarity and self-esteem among the employed and unemployed. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 36, 59-69. doi:  10.1080/01973533.2013.856788

  • Mattingly, B. A., & Lewandowski, G. W., Jr. (2013). An expanded self is a more capable self: The association between self-concept size and self-efficacy. Self and Identity, 12, 621-634.. doi:10.1080/15298868.2012.718863

  • Mattingly, B. A., & Lewandowski, G. W., Jr. (2013). The power of one: Benefits of individual self-expansion. Journal of Positive Psychology, 8, 12-22. doi: 10.1080/17439760.2012.746999