Function of Happiness and 

Life Satisfaction

Ecology,

Emotion and

Social Cognition

Science of

Mating Motives

and Mate Value

Role of

Fundamental

Social Motives

Family Matters:

Rethinking the Psychology of Human Social Motivation

[SPSP 2020 Outstanding Research Award]

Examining varied sources of data from 27 societies around the world, we found that people generally viewed kin care motives as primary in importance, and mate-seeking motives as relatively low in importance. We address theoretical and empirical reasons why there has been extensive research on mate seeking, and why people prioritize goals related to long-term familial bonds over mating goals.

Functionally Calibrating Life Satisfaction:

The Case of Mating Motives and Self-Perceived Mate Value

We propose that life satisfaction functions to indicate progress toward active, fitness-relevant fundamental goals; the more one perceives oneself moving effectively towards such goals, the more satisfied one should be with one’s life.

Does Physical Attractiveness Buy Happiness?

Women's Mating Motivation and Happiness

Does physical attractiveness buy happiness? Given the centrality of physical attractiveness in women's mate value, we predicted and found that mating motive salience increases the weight of physical attractiveness in women's happiness. 
 

• Ph.D. Student in Social Psychology (2017 - Present)

• Neuberg Lab

• Evolutionary Social Cognition Lab (Kenrick - Neuberg - Becker)

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• Advisor: Steven L. Neuberg

Arizona State University

• ​B.A. in Psychology and Cognitive Science (2011 - 2014)

• M.A. in Personality and Social Psychology (2015- 2017)

• Personality and Social Psychology Lab

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• Advisor: Eunkook Mark Suh

Yonsei University

• Exchange Student (2013)

• Psychology and Cognitive Science

• Provost Honors

University of California,

San Diego