DRIFT Lab
(Dynamics of Relationships and Interpersonal Functioning over Time)

Welcome to our lab, located at Montclair State University and run by Dr. Ana DiGiovanni.

At the DRIFT lab, we investigate how interpersonal relationships unfold and evolve over time, focusing on the dynamic processes that shape how people connect, communicate, and regulate emotions together. In particular, we examine how individuals process and make sense of negative events and feelings alongside others, shedding light on the ways that these interactions influence emotional and relational outcomes. Beyond this, our research explores a range of social psychological phenomena including social support processes, interpersonal conflict, emotion regulation, and the interplay between work and personal life.

We study a diverse array of interpersonal relationships, including romantic relationships, friendships, relationships at work, and family relationships. We integrate theory from Affective Science and Interpersonal Relationships – while leveraging advanced quantitative methods – to examine these questions as they unfold dynamically over time, between persons, and across contexts.

Together, we seek to understand how everyday interactions influence intra- and interpersonal well-being. By examining relationships in diverse contexts (e.g., the workplace, home/personal life, broader socio-cultural contexts) and across a diverse array of stressors, the Drift Lab aims to understand the complexities of human connection.