Biography
My research sits at the intersection of close relationships and addictive behaviors (for example, alcohol use, drug use, or gambling). As an applied social and health psychologist, I focus on developing life “hacks” — in other words, finding theoretically-based ways people can make small changes to their behavior that result in big returns on investment (ROI) to their life. These returns may take the form of enhanced relationships or improved physical or mental health. Typically, these hacks work because they are self-reinforcing, and as such my research also targets the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral mechanisms through which effects occur.
I will be taking a PhD student Fall 2025.
Areas of Interest/Research
- Close relationships
- Substance use and misuse
- Brief intervention development and evaluation
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive reappraisal
- Expressive writing
- Interpersonal conflict
- Communication
- Mindsets
- Emotion regulation
- Intimate partner violence
- Self-determination theory
Background
- Ph.D., Social Psychology (Quantitative Design and Analysis Minor), University of Houston, 2014
- B.S., Psychology, University of Florida, 2008
Contact Information
- Email: lmrodriguez@ufl.edu
- Phone: 352.294.2209
- Office: Psychology 220