Dr. Anderson's current research interests include two broad themes: couple relationship development and the process of change in couple therapy. Related to relationship development, he's particularly interested in how intrapersonal factors (e.g., identity, personality, self-determination) are related to relationship processes (e.g., emotion regulation, communication, support) and outcomes (e.g., commitment, satisfaction, stability)—especially how these factors impact a couple's sexual relationship. Related to couples therapy, he's interested in differentiation (self-determination) based approaches to couple therapy. Specifically, he's interested in developing autonomy-supportive interventions that lead to greater self-awareness and emotion regulation in partners and, therefore, a greater chance for authentic connection and bonding between partners. Dr. Anderson is active clinically, seeing couples at all developmental stages, specializing in sex therapy and couples on the brink of divorce or separation.
Area(s) of Specialization:
- Development of couple relationships
- Couples therapy
- Self-determination and relationship functioning
- Process of change in couples therapy
