Close Encounters

Narcissism

Do Narcissists Know That They're Narcissistic?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on June 18, 2026

Research explains why narcissists have little interest in change.

Research explains why narcissists have little interest in change.

Media

How Narcissists Think Their Social Media Posts Are Received

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on June 4, 2026

New research shows narcissists not only post differently on social media, but they also expect very different reactions to their posts, regardless of what they share.

New research shows narcissists not only post differently on social media, but they also expect very different reactions to their posts, regardless of what they share.

Narcissism

Why the Narcissistic Relationship Crash Is Often Delayed

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on April 8, 2026

We often assume relationships with narcissists have a sharp, predictable decline. New research involving 5,000 couples suggests the trajectory is far more complex.

We often assume relationships with narcissists have a sharp, predictable decline. New research involving 5,000 couples suggests the trajectory is far more complex.

Social Life

The Social Power of Live Events

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on September 28, 2025

How concerts, classes, and community gatherings boost connection—and why some could leave us feeling lonelier.

How concerts, classes, and community gatherings boost connection—and why some could leave us feeling lonelier.

Artificial Intelligence

Could Artificial Intelligence Worsen Teens' Social Skills?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on September 22, 2025

Surveys show that AI is a common source of social support for teens. Could this undermine their ability to form connections with real people?

Surveys show that AI is a common source of social support for teens. Could this undermine their ability to form connections with real people?

Social Media

Why Do People Use Social Media?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on August 18, 2025

Not all social media use is the same. New research shows how different ways—and motives—for using social media may relate to well-being.

Not all social media use is the same. New research shows how different ways—and motives—for using social media may relate to well-being.

Social Media

How Do We React When We're Excluded on Social Media?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on December 8, 2024

New research explores social media users' next move after an unpopular post. Do they try to reconnect with others or just withdrawal?

New research explores social media users' next move after an unpopular post. Do they try to reconnect with others or just withdrawal?

Relationships

How Narcissists React to Threats in a Relationship

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on November 26, 2024

Lashing out, and then holding onto the hurt.

Lashing out, and then holding onto the hurt.

Personality Disorders

Are Some People More Likely to Date Partners With Personality Disorders?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on November 4, 2024

More forgiving, working harder at connecting, and more.

More forgiving, working harder at connecting, and more.

Narcissism

Do Narcissists Overestimate How Much People Like Them?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on September 22, 2024

Do narcissists overestimate how much others like and admire them? New research explores narcissists' metaperceptions in social interactions.

Do narcissists overestimate how much others like and admire them? New research explores narcissists' metaperceptions in social interactions.

Relationships

How Do Young Adults Use Technology in Their Relationships?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on September 6, 2024

New research explores young adults' perceptions of the costs and benefits of technology use in their romantic relationships.

New research explores young adults' perceptions of the costs and benefits of technology use in their romantic relationships.

Gaslighting

A New Questionnaire Measures Gaslighting Victimization

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on July 25, 2024

Researchers have developed a new questionnaire to measure gaslighting in a relationship.

Researchers have developed a new questionnaire to measure gaslighting in a relationship.

Relationships

How Important Is Equal Power in a Relationship?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on March 17, 2024

New research examines what matters more for relationship satisfaction: having equal power or simply having power.

New research examines what matters more for relationship satisfaction: having equal power or simply having power.

Infidelity

When Does a Partner's Behavior Become Cheating?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on February 5, 2024

Research on secrecy, frequency, and familiarity.

Research on secrecy, frequency, and familiarity.

Mating

What Do Today's Singles Want?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on January 24, 2024

An annual survey examined singles' attitudes toward monogamy, the importance of financial stability in a partner, and the use of artificial intelligence in online dating.

An annual survey examined singles' attitudes toward monogamy, the importance of financial stability in a partner, and the use of artificial intelligence in online dating.

Social Networking

How Daily Small Talk Can Improve Well-Being

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on December 21, 2023

New research examines how brief conversations, and even simple greetings and thank yous, with strangers and acquaintances could make people happier.

New research examines how brief conversations, and even simple greetings and thank yous, with strangers and acquaintances could make people happier.

Happiness

How One Unhappy Partner Can Drag the Other Down

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on December 17, 2023

New research examines the life satisfaction trajectories of couples over time to determine how partners can influence each other's happiness.

New research examines the life satisfaction trajectories of couples over time to determine how partners can influence each other's happiness.

Mating

How Do People Perceive Online Daters?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on October 17, 2023

A new study compared people’s perceptions of online and offline daters. With the increasing popularity of online dating, have negative stereotypes of online daters waned?

A new study compared people’s perceptions of online and offline daters. With the increasing popularity of online dating, have negative stereotypes of online daters waned?

Relationships

Could Anger Be Good for Your Relationships?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on September 3, 2023

New research examines how different types of hostile emotions may affect whether you criticize, ignore, or try to make amends when a partner misbehaves.

New research examines how different types of hostile emotions may affect whether you criticize, ignore, or try to make amends when a partner misbehaves.

Personality

Can We Instantly Determine Personality on Instagram?

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on August 8, 2023

New research explores the cues we use to judge others' personality traits based on their Instagram profiles — and tests how accurate those judgments are.

New research explores the cues we use to judge others' personality traits based on their Instagram profiles — and tests how accurate those judgments are.