Christina Leckfor PhD

In my research, I aim to understand how people can feel more socially connected to others in their daily life, and I am especially interested in how technology can both help and hinder this goal. For instance, I have examined how having an intimate conversation over texting can promote closeness between strangers above and beyond small talk, but not to the same degree as having that conversation in person. In another line of would I have examined how emerging adults feel worse after being ghosted—a process akin to ostracism—than directly rejected. More recently, I have become interested in understanding the barriers that keep people from talking to strangers—an activity that people tend to enjoy more than they expect to—and how to overcome them.

Although I do not have my own research lab as a teaching faculty member, I bring my theoretical and methodical expertise into the classroom in courses like Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Research Advanced Lab, and Close Relationships. In each of my classes, I guide students through the process of interpreting empirical data to understand the psychological concepts that occur in daily life, helping them to become informed consumers of research. My understanding of the importance of social connection also influences my approach to teaching, and I believe my role as an educator is to create an inclusive learning environment where students feel socially connected, engaged, and capable.