Diane Holmberg
psychology
Acadia University
Canada
Biography
Professor in the Department of Psychology at Acadia University B.A. (Honours), University of Waterloo M.A., University of Michigan Ph.D., University of Michigan
Research Interest
I am a social psychologist whose primary research interests lie in the area of close relationships. I have three lines of collaboration with Dr. Karen Blair at St. Francis Xavier University. First, we are exploring the dynamics of social network approval / disapproval for relationships, and how those processes might vary depending on whether or not the relationship is potentially marginalized (e.g., same-sex, mixed-race, interfaith). Second, we are studying whether parents’ and their adult children’s memories of the coming-out process differ, and whether those differences have potential implications for well-being. Third, we are beginning research on whether there are health implications of displays of affection between partners, and whether those processes vary depending on whether the affection is public vs. private, and whether the couple is mixed-sex vs. same-sex / gender diverse. I also conduct research on how adult attachment styles predict couples’ dyadic support interactions. Most recently, I have been collaborating with Dr. Chris Shields in the School of Kinesiology at Acadia on a study of support dynamics in couples completing a cardiac rehabilitation program. Finally, I occasionally continue to pursue long-standing lines of research on gender differences in relationship memory, and on relationship scripts.
Publications
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Bailey, K. M., Holmberg, D., McWilliams, L. A., & Hobson, K. (2015). Wanting and providing solicitous pain-related support: The roles of both relationship partners' attachment styles. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 47, 272-281.
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Holmberg, D., & Blair, K. L. (2016). Dynamics of perceived social network support for same-sex versus mixed-sex relationships. Personal Relationships, 23, 62-83.