A major focus of Dr. Whisman's research seeks to understand the role of intimate relationships on the onset, course, severity, and treatment of psychopathology, with a particular emphasis on depression. In addition, he studies the association between intimate relationship functioning and physical health and well-being. He is also interested in the efficacy of couple-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of mental and physical health problems. A second major focus of Dr. Whisman's research aims to identify the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual factors associated with the quality of intimate relationships and their formation, maintenance, and dissolution. A third major focus of Dr. Whisman's research is on cognitive theory of depression, particularly rumination, and cognitive therapy of depression. A final focus of Dr. Whisman’s research is on the causes, correlates, and consequences of imposter phenomenon.
