My primary research interests concern "self processes" in interpersonal settings. Specifically, how do significant others and relationships influence personal growth and motivate individuals to achieve their most important goals, dreams, and aspirations? And how do self-relevant phenomena (e.g., individual differences in constructs such as self-respect, self-concept clarity, self-regulatory styles) influence interaction and interdependence in relationships? Across these lines of research, I examine processes with implications for both personal well-being (e.g., subjective well-being, psychological health, personal growth) and relational well-being (e.g., dyadic adjustment and satisfaction).

Primary Interests:

Close Relationships
Interpersonal Processes
Life Satisfaction, Well-Being
Motivation, Goal Setting
Personality, Individual Differences
Self and Identity

Close Relationships
Interpersonal Processes
Life Satisfaction, Well-Being

Motivation, Goal Setting
Personality, Individual Differences
Self and Identity

Journal Articles:

Finkel, E. J., Rusbult, C. E., Kumashiro, M., & Hannon, P. A. (2002). Dealing with betrayal in close relationships: Does commitment promote forgiveness of betrayal? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 956-974.
Kumashiro, M., Finkel, E. J., & Rusbult, C. E. (2002). Self-respect and pro-relationship behavior in marital relationships. Journal of Personality, 70, 1009-1049.
Kumashiro, M., Rusbult, C. E., & Finkel, E. J. (in press). Navigating personal and relational concerns: The quest for equilibrium. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Kumashiro, M., Rusbult, C. E., Finkenauer, C., & Stocker, S. (2007). To think or to do: Assessment orientation, locomotion orientation, and the Michelangelo Phenomenon. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24, 591-611.
Kumashiro, M., & Sedikides, C. (2005). Taking on board liability-focused information: Close positive relationships as a self-bolstering resource. Psychological Science, 16, 732-739.
Neiss, M. B., Stevenson. J., Sedikides, C., Kumashiro, M., Finkel, E. J., & Caryl E. Rusbult, C. E. (2005). Executive self, self-esteem, and negative affectivity: Relations at the phenotypic and genotypic level. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 89, 593-606.
Sedikides, C., Rudich, E. A., Gregg, A. P., Kumashiro, M., & Rusbult, C. (2004). Are normal narcissists psychologically healthy?: Self-esteem matters. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87, 400-416.

Other Publications:

Kumashiro, M., Rusbult, C. E., Wolf, S. T., & Estrada, M. J. (2006). The Michelangelo Phenomenon: Partner affirmation and self-movement toward one’s ideal. In K. Vohs, & E. J. Finkel (Eds.), Self and Relationships (pp. 317-341). New York: Guilford Press.
Rusbult, C. E., Kumashiro, M., Finkel E. J., & Wildschut, T. (2002). The war of the Roses: An interdependence analysis of betrayal and forgiveness. In P. Noller & J. A. Feeney (Eds.), Understanding marriage: Developments in the study of couple interaction (pp. 251-281). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Rusbult, C. E., Kumashiro, M., Stocker, S., & Wolf, S. (2005). The Michelangelo phenomenon in close relationships. In A. Tesser, J. Wood, & D. Stapel (Eds.), On Building, Defending and Regulating the Self (pp. 1-29). New York: Psychology Press.

Madoka Kumashiro
Department of Psychology
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
London SE14 6NW
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 7919 7896
Fax: +44 (0)20 7919 7873


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Madoka Kumashiro

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