Research Overview
What does it mean to thrive? Thriving involves a continuous process of exploration, growth, and development, and for most people, this process is fueled by our closest relationships.
In my research, I draw from observational and experimental methodologies to understand the links between relational processes (e.g., receiving, seeking, or giving support) and individual experiences, including identity development, coping with stressors, and pursuing personal growth. Ultimately, I am interested in how the sum of these short-term exchanges over time contribute to long-term impacts for psychological, relational, and physical thriving.
I have also dedicated special research attention to how sexually- and gender- diverse (SGD) populations navigate challenges and growth with respect to their identities, especially in their relationships. A recent Gallup poll shows that 7.2% of all U.S. adults and 19.7% of Generation Z identify as SGD. As such, this line of work is intended to shed light on the unique support needs of a population that is growing, yet often overlooked in relationships science.
Manuscripts
Baron, C. R., Collins, N. L., & Feeney, B.C. (2026, in prep). Social Support as a Predictor of Personal Growth and Thriving: A Cross-Sectional Study of Sexually-Diverse and Gender-Diverse Young Adults
Baron, C. R., & Collins, N. L. (2025). The Impact of Social Support on Thriving and Health in Sexually‐Diverse and Gender‐Diverse Populations. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 19(7), e70071.
Selected Presentations
Baron, C. R., & Collins, N. L. (2025, February). Impacts of support in sexually-diverse and gender-diverse young adults. Talk presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) Annual Convention.
Baron, C. R., & Collins, N. L. (2024, May). Thriving through relationships: Impacts of identity-affirming social support in sexually-diverse and gender-diverse young adults. Talk presented at the UCSB Psychological and Brain Sciences Annual Mini Convention, Santa Barbara, CA.
Baron, C. R., & Collins, N. L. (2024, July). Feeling seen and validated: The role of social support on thriving among gender and sexual minority (GSM) young adults. Poster presented at the International Association for Relationships Research Conference, Boston, MA.
Baron, C. R., Collins, N. L., & German, T. (2024, February). The role of affirming social support for gender and sexual minority (GSM) young adults. Poster presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) Annual Convention, San Diego, CA.