Publication Type: Invited Paper
Abstract: Although the complexity of post-divorce communication has garnered recent research attention (Ahrons, 2007; Afifi & Schrodt, 2003b; Baum, 2004; Graham, 2003), little is known about the process of dating after divorce. The process of dating as a divorcee can be especially problematic for individuals with children, as they must manage developing dating relationships while raising children and often staying in touch with their former spouses. These complexities create a seemingly unconventional approach when compared with traditional dating practices. In the current investigation, the researcher conducted 35 interviews with divorced coparents. Using Smith’s (1995) process of thematic analysis, the researcher uncovered that coparents struggle with balancing dating and parenting, and the difficulties they experienced in coping with divorce often affected their dating decisions and behaviors. Also, participants struggled in knowing what, if anything, they should reveal to their children and former spouses about their dating.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the ways corporeality takes form in an online environment and what the body communicates to other online users. Specifically, this paper uses a quantitative and qualitative content analysis methods to examine the process of online dating and compares the dating profiles of 100 women on an overweight dating website to the dating profiles of 100 women on a more traditional dating website. A second and underlying goal of this study is to empower and give voice to a non-dominant group, people who battle weight problems in an increasingly thin mediated-world. Results from this study show that the body is a powerful communicative force and a significant social meaning maker in the online dating process. Results also show that women who used the overweight dating website were significantly more likely to sexualize their photos than women who used the traditional dating site, and that women on the overweight website were significantly more likely to engage in discussions about their body-type than women on the more traditional website.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study was done to observe dating behavior at a Hispanic serving university and to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity and egalitarian dating behavior. Recent literature has shown that traditional dating behavior or stereotypic gender scripts have remained unchanged since the beginning of dating practices. This study is part of a replication of a previous study entitled “Egalitarian daters/Traditional dates (Laner and Ventrone, 1998).” A questionnaire along with a consent form consisting of 33 questions about dating behavior was given to groups of students composed of 78 Hispanics and 55 Non-Hispanic Whites to respond to each item as a male, female, either/both, or neither. An egalitarian score was used to measure egalitarian dating behavior derived from summing up all responses under “Either/Both.” Although Whites scored higher on egalitarian dating behavior than Hispanics the relationship between race and ethnicity and egalitarian behavior was insignificant indicated from a 2-tailed t-test (t = .883, d.f. = 151, p = .379).

Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a dating violence prevention program on college-aged students. It is hypothesized that levels of empathy, understanding of healthy relationships, and self-efficacy for helping victims of dating violence will increase while acceptability ratings of violent behavior will decrease.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Domestic violence is no longer simply attributed to heterosexual adult couples. While there is still a focus on the abuse that occurs in adult relationships, there has been a shift towards the abuse that can occur in teen dating relationships. Using a sample of 9th grade students from a public high school in a mid-Atlantic state, this research sought to determine attitudinal changes as a result of participation in a primary prevention program. There was also a focus on the roles that peers play in dating relationship, both abusive and nonabusive relationships. Results from the pre-tests and post-tests indicate that the program was successful in altering students’ understanding and attitudes about abuse in dating relationships. The program was also successful in educating students to successfully deal with peers that are involved in abusive relationships.