Program of Research
Broadly, Sierra's interdisciplinary program of research draws upon social-cognitive, personality, relationship-science, and functional perspectives to examine how long-term romantic relationships begin, develop, and sometimes dissolve. In order to produce rigorous, replicable research, she uses a combination of dyadic longitudinal designs, experimental manipulations, and implicit (e.g., reaction time, eye-tracking) measures and frequently goes beyond undergraduate convenience samples to recruit diverse, community-based participants such as newlywed couples. Sierra often leverages advanced quantitative methods in her research such as dyadic data analyses, time-lagged analyses, growth-curve modeling, and meta-analytic procedures.
Highlighting the impact of Sierra's work, she has published first-authored papers in high-quality journals, including Social Psychological and Personality Science and Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Brief descriptions of Sierra's primary lines of research appear below.
Partner Preferences
In one line of research, Sierra investigates (a) the qualities people desire in relationship partners (e.g., attractiveness, warmth), the mechanisms underlying those preferences (e.g., sexual desire), and the implications of those preferences for established relationships (e.g., relationship quality).
Dyadic Influences
In a second line of research, Sierra investigates the individual differences that both partners bring into their relationship (e.g., attachment insecurity, approach and avoidance motivation) and how they dynamically interact to influence crucial relationship processes and outcomes such as satisfaction and stability.
Threats to Relationship Maintenance
In a third line of research, Sierra investigates individual differences and processes that could undermine the maintenance of romantic relationships such as unrestricted sexual motivations and the presence of attractive alternative partners.
