Rebecca T Pinkus
Biographic Data
| ID | 650480 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Rebecca T Pinkus |
| GIVEN NAMES | Rebecca T |
| FAMILY NAME | Pinkus |
| SIGNATURE | PINKUS R T |
| AFFILIATIONS | The University of Sydney |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-0817-9343 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 24 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 102 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 24 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2008 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 6 |
Rating our certainty: How confidence judgments amplify belief polarization
Although metacognitive reflection (e.g., thinking about our confidence or certainty in a decision) is often assumed to improve decision-making, recent research suggests that eliciting confidence ratings can sometimes produce counterintuitive results, including the amplification of subjective beliefs. We report three experiments investigating how trial-by-trial confidence judgments affect the extremity of beliefs. In Experiments 1 and 2, participa…
Mobilizing the Majority: The Role of Intergroup Contact and Exposure to Conceptualizations of Racism in Promoting Intergroup Solidarity
Intergroup contact is known to predict advantaged group members’ solidarity with minority outgroups, which is crucial given persisting racial inequalities. To identify whether exposure to a conceptualization of racism can affect the contact–action relationship, two studies were conducted with White participants randomly allocated to a systemic racism, individual racism, or baseline condition, and their intergroup contact quality with racial minor…
Momentary fluctuations in body image dissatisfaction among women: The role of self-concept clarity
Low self-concept clarity is linked to a greater tendency to engage in appearance-based comparisons and a greater degree of internalization of societal appearance ideals, both of which contribute to body dissatisfaction. This study extends previous trait-level research by examining whether momentary fluctuations in self-concept clarity also predict these outcomes. A sample of 203 women completed trait measures of self-concept clarity, appearance c…
Valuing your partner more: Linking emotional intelligence to better relationship quality
Emotional intelligence (EI) has been positively associated with relationship quality in romantic couples, but few studies have examined the mechanisms underlying this association. The current study examines the mediating role of extrinsic emotion regulation (regulating your partner’s emotions) on the associations between EI and relationship quality. Specifically, we studied the mediating effects of three extrinsic regulation strategies involving …
You Feel Better When Your Partner is Emotionally Intelligent: Self-Rated Emotional Intelligence Shows Partner Effects on Subjective Wellbeing
Emotionally intelligent people tend to have higher wellbeing. It is possible that their high emotional intelligence (EI) also affects the wellbeing of the people they interact with. This is particularly true in romantic relationships, where a person’s EI may play an important role in their partner’s emotional experiences. The current study ( N = 407 romantic dyads) uses actor-partner interdependence models to examine the associations between EI (…
What do we do to help others feel better? The eight strategies of the Regulating Others’ Emotions Scale (Roes)
Theoretical models of interpersonal extrinsic emotion regulation (the regulation of others' emotions) recognize many different regulation strategies, yet existing assessments do not assess a wide number of strategies at a granular level. In the present research, we develop the Regulation of Others' Emotions Scale to capture eight extrinsic emotion regulation strategies (expressive suppression, downward social comparison, humor, distraction, direc…
University Students' Condom Use During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Cross-Cultural Differences and What Predict Them
Humans instinctively adopt methods to reduce their risk of encountering harmful pathogens, yet their adherence to preventive health practices can often be erratic. Condoms exemplify one vital preventive tool against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that, despite their effectiveness, are not consistently utilized. This pattern of behavior appears to persist even during periods of widespread disease transmission, with varied data from the COV…
People with higher relationship satisfaction use more humor, valuing, and receptive listening to regulate their partners’ emotions
The emotional experiences you have with a romantic partner shape how satisfied you are in your relationship. Engaging in attempts to make a romantic partner feel better is linked with better relationship outcomes. However, it is not yet clear which specific processes people use to regulate their partners’ emotions, nor which processes are most strongly linked with relationship satisfaction. In the current study of 277 individuals (55% female), we…
Emotion regulation efficacy beliefs: The outsized impact of base rates
To regulate others' emotions effectively we must learn about the efficacy of our regulation attempts. Deciding whether we made someone else feel better involves a causal judgment about the effect of our intervention on their emotional state. The current study examined whether, like other causal judgments, beliefs about emotion regulation efficacy are disproportionately affected by base rates. In two experiments, we showed that participants' perce…
Emotionally intelligent people show more flexible regulation of emotions in daily life
Emotion regulation strategies have been characterized as adaptive or maladaptive; however, the ability to switch strategies to best suit the situation (regulatory flexibility and adaptability) underlies effective emotion regulation. Emotional intelligence may be a key capacity that enables flexible emotion regulation. We use experience sampling data from 165 participants to test whether emotional intelligence abilities (emotion understanding and …
The impact of appearance comparisons made through social media, traditional media, and in person in women’s everyday lives
Experiences of weight stigma in everyday life: Implications for health motivation
Weight stigma is a pervasive social problem that can negatively impact the health and well-being of stigmatized individuals. The present study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to assess the motivational consequences of weight stigma in people’s everyday lives. Forty-six community adults (22 men, 24 women) completed baseline measures of prior stigma experiences and internalized weight bias before taking part in the EMA component of the s…
Being better than you is better for us: Attachment avoidance and social comparisons within romantic relationships
A growing body of literature suggests that individuals respond more positively when outperformed by their partner (an upward comparison) than when they outperform the partner (a downward comparison). However, these findings may not apply to individuals high in attachment avoidance due to their negative working models of others. In two studies, we investigated whether feelings of closeness following social comparisons to the romantic partner are m…
The phenomenology of weight stigma in everyday life
Cautious to a fault: Self-protection and the trajectory of marital satisfaction
The effects of romantic partners’ goal congruence on affective well-being
Responses to comparisons in romantic relationships: Empathy, shared fate, and contrast
Individuals who empathize and share outcomes with their partner are likely to react more positively to upward comparisons (UCs) than downward comparisons (DCs). Three studies examined responses to comparisons in romantic relationships. Participants reported more positive affect following UCs than DCs; positive affect was also predicted by empathy and shared outcomes. Relationship‐maintaining responses were predicted by empathy and shared outcomes…
Signaling when (and when not) to be cautious and self-protective: Impulsive and reflective trust in close relationships
A dual process model is proposed to explain how automatic evaluative associations to the partner (i.e., impulsive trust) and deliberative expectations of partner caring (i.e., reflective trust) interact to govern self-protection in romantic relationships. Experimental and correlational studies of dating and marital relationships supported the model. Subliminally conditioning more positive evaluative associations to the partner increased confidenc…
A smart unconscious? Procedural origins of automatic partner attitudes in marriage
Interpersonal effects of Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity
Becoming irreplaceable: How comparisons to the partner’s alternatives differentially affect low and high self-esteem people
The nature and structure of correlations among Big Five ratings: The halo-alpha-beta model
In light of consistently observed correlations among Big Five ratings, the authors developed and tested a model that combined E. L. Thorndike's (1920) general evaluative bias (halo) model and J. M. Digman's (1997) higher order personality factors (alpha and beta) model. With 4 multitrait-multimethod analyses, Study 1 revealed moderate convergent validity for alpha and beta across raters, whereas halo was mainly a unique factor for each rater. In …
Commitment insurance: Compensating for the autonomy costs of interdependence in close relationships
A model of the commitment-insurance system is proposed to examine how low and high self-esteem people cope with the costs interdependence imposes on autonomous goal pursuits. In this system, autonomy costs automatically activate compensatory cognitive processes that attach greater value to the partner. Greater partner valuing compels greater responsiveness to the partner's needs. Two experiments and a daily diary study of newlyweds supported the …
For better and for worse: Everyday social comparisons between romantic partners
The authors examined the frequency, direction, and impact of social comparisons between romantic partners. Comparisons were expected to occur on a daily basis, owing to regular interactions between partners. To the extent that one empathizes and shares outcomes with one's partner, one might respond more positively to upward than to downward comparisons. Study 1a was an experience-sampling study in which participants reported comparisons made to t…
The nature and structure of correlations among Big Five ratings: The halo-alpha-beta model
In light of consistently observed correlations among Big Five ratings, the authors developed and tested a model that combined E. L. Thorndike's (1920) general evaluative bias (halo) model and J. M. Digman's (1997) higher order personality factors (alpha and beta) model. With 4 multitrait-multimethod analyses, Study 1 revealed moderate convergent validity for alpha and beta across raters, whereas halo was mainly a unique factor for each rater. In …
Signaling when (and when not) to be cautious and self-protective: Impulsive and reflective trust in close relationships
A dual process model is proposed to explain how automatic evaluative associations to the partner (i.e., impulsive trust) and deliberative expectations of partner caring (i.e., reflective trust) interact to govern self-protection in romantic relationships. Experimental and correlational studies of dating and marital relationships supported the model. Subliminally conditioning more positive evaluative associations to the partner increased confidenc…
The effects of romantic partners’ goal congruence on affective well-being
A smart unconscious? Procedural origins of automatic partner attitudes in marriage
For better and for worse: Everyday social comparisons between romantic partners
The authors examined the frequency, direction, and impact of social comparisons between romantic partners. Comparisons were expected to occur on a daily basis, owing to regular interactions between partners. To the extent that one empathizes and shares outcomes with one's partner, one might respond more positively to upward than to downward comparisons. Study 1a was an experience-sampling study in which participants reported comparisons made to t…
Becoming irreplaceable: How comparisons to the partner’s alternatives differentially affect low and high self-esteem people
Responses to comparisons in romantic relationships: Empathy, shared fate, and contrast
Individuals who empathize and share outcomes with their partner are likely to react more positively to upward comparisons (UCs) than downward comparisons (DCs). Three studies examined responses to comparisons in romantic relationships. Participants reported more positive affect following UCs than DCs; positive affect was also predicted by empathy and shared outcomes. Relationship‐maintaining responses were predicted by empathy and shared outcomes…
Interpersonal effects of Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity
Commitment insurance: Compensating for the autonomy costs of interdependence in close relationships
A model of the commitment-insurance system is proposed to examine how low and high self-esteem people cope with the costs interdependence imposes on autonomous goal pursuits. In this system, autonomy costs automatically activate compensatory cognitive processes that attach greater value to the partner. Greater partner valuing compels greater responsiveness to the partner's needs. Two experiments and a daily diary study of newlyweds supported the …
Being better than you is better for us: Attachment avoidance and social comparisons within romantic relationships
A growing body of literature suggests that individuals respond more positively when outperformed by their partner (an upward comparison) than when they outperform the partner (a downward comparison). However, these findings may not apply to individuals high in attachment avoidance due to their negative working models of others. In two studies, we investigated whether feelings of closeness following social comparisons to the romantic partner are m…
Cautious to a fault: Self-protection and the trajectory of marital satisfaction
For better and for worse: Everyday social comparisons between romantic partners
The authors examined the frequency, direction, and impact of social comparisons between romantic partners. Comparisons were expected to occur on a daily basis, owing to regular interactions between partners. To the extent that one empathizes and shares outcomes with one's partner, one might respond more positively to upward than to downward comparisons. Study 1a was an experience-sampling study in which participants reported comparisons made to t…
Interpersonal effects of Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity
Becoming irreplaceable: How comparisons to the partner’s alternatives differentially affect low and high self-esteem people
The nature and structure of correlations among Big Five ratings: The halo-alpha-beta model
In light of consistently observed correlations among Big Five ratings, the authors developed and tested a model that combined E. L. Thorndike's (1920) general evaluative bias (halo) model and J. M. Digman's (1997) higher order personality factors (alpha and beta) model. With 4 multitrait-multimethod analyses, Study 1 revealed moderate convergent validity for alpha and beta across raters, whereas halo was mainly a unique factor for each rater. In …
Commitment insurance: Compensating for the autonomy costs of interdependence in close relationships
A model of the commitment-insurance system is proposed to examine how low and high self-esteem people cope with the costs interdependence imposes on autonomous goal pursuits. In this system, autonomy costs automatically activate compensatory cognitive processes that attach greater value to the partner. Greater partner valuing compels greater responsiveness to the partner's needs. Two experiments and a daily diary study of newlyweds supported the …
A smart unconscious? Procedural origins of automatic partner attitudes in marriage
The effects of romantic partners’ goal congruence on affective well-being
Responses to comparisons in romantic relationships: Empathy, shared fate, and contrast
Individuals who empathize and share outcomes with their partner are likely to react more positively to upward comparisons (UCs) than downward comparisons (DCs). Three studies examined responses to comparisons in romantic relationships. Participants reported more positive affect following UCs than DCs; positive affect was also predicted by empathy and shared outcomes. Relationship‐maintaining responses were predicted by empathy and shared outcomes…
Signaling when (and when not) to be cautious and self-protective: Impulsive and reflective trust in close relationships
A dual process model is proposed to explain how automatic evaluative associations to the partner (i.e., impulsive trust) and deliberative expectations of partner caring (i.e., reflective trust) interact to govern self-protection in romantic relationships. Experimental and correlational studies of dating and marital relationships supported the model. Subliminally conditioning more positive evaluative associations to the partner increased confidenc…
Cautious to a fault: Self-protection and the trajectory of marital satisfaction
The phenomenology of weight stigma in everyday life
Experiences of weight stigma in everyday life: Implications for health motivation
Weight stigma is a pervasive social problem that can negatively impact the health and well-being of stigmatized individuals. The present study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to assess the motivational consequences of weight stigma in people’s everyday lives. Forty-six community adults (22 men, 24 women) completed baseline measures of prior stigma experiences and internalized weight bias before taking part in the EMA component of the s…
Being better than you is better for us: Attachment avoidance and social comparisons within romantic relationships
A growing body of literature suggests that individuals respond more positively when outperformed by their partner (an upward comparison) than when they outperform the partner (a downward comparison). However, these findings may not apply to individuals high in attachment avoidance due to their negative working models of others. In two studies, we investigated whether feelings of closeness following social comparisons to the romantic partner are m…
The impact of appearance comparisons made through social media, traditional media, and in person in women’s everyday lives
Emotionally intelligent people show more flexible regulation of emotions in daily life
Emotion regulation strategies have been characterized as adaptive or maladaptive; however, the ability to switch strategies to best suit the situation (regulatory flexibility and adaptability) underlies effective emotion regulation. Emotional intelligence may be a key capacity that enables flexible emotion regulation. We use experience sampling data from 165 participants to test whether emotional intelligence abilities (emotion understanding and …
Emotion regulation efficacy beliefs: The outsized impact of base rates
To regulate others' emotions effectively we must learn about the efficacy of our regulation attempts. Deciding whether we made someone else feel better involves a causal judgment about the effect of our intervention on their emotional state. The current study examined whether, like other causal judgments, beliefs about emotion regulation efficacy are disproportionately affected by base rates. In two experiments, we showed that participants' perce…
People with higher relationship satisfaction use more humor, valuing, and receptive listening to regulate their partners’ emotions
The emotional experiences you have with a romantic partner shape how satisfied you are in your relationship. Engaging in attempts to make a romantic partner feel better is linked with better relationship outcomes. However, it is not yet clear which specific processes people use to regulate their partners’ emotions, nor which processes are most strongly linked with relationship satisfaction. In the current study of 277 individuals (55% female), we…
You Feel Better When Your Partner is Emotionally Intelligent: Self-Rated Emotional Intelligence Shows Partner Effects on Subjective Wellbeing
Emotionally intelligent people tend to have higher wellbeing. It is possible that their high emotional intelligence (EI) also affects the wellbeing of the people they interact with. This is particularly true in romantic relationships, where a person’s EI may play an important role in their partner’s emotional experiences. The current study ( N = 407 romantic dyads) uses actor-partner interdependence models to examine the associations between EI (…
What do we do to help others feel better? The eight strategies of the Regulating Others’ Emotions Scale (Roes)
Theoretical models of interpersonal extrinsic emotion regulation (the regulation of others' emotions) recognize many different regulation strategies, yet existing assessments do not assess a wide number of strategies at a granular level. In the present research, we develop the Regulation of Others' Emotions Scale to capture eight extrinsic emotion regulation strategies (expressive suppression, downward social comparison, humor, distraction, direc…
University Students' Condom Use During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Cross-Cultural Differences and What Predict Them
Humans instinctively adopt methods to reduce their risk of encountering harmful pathogens, yet their adherence to preventive health practices can often be erratic. Condoms exemplify one vital preventive tool against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that, despite their effectiveness, are not consistently utilized. This pattern of behavior appears to persist even during periods of widespread disease transmission, with varied data from the COV…
Rating our certainty: How confidence judgments amplify belief polarization
Although metacognitive reflection (e.g., thinking about our confidence or certainty in a decision) is often assumed to improve decision-making, recent research suggests that eliciting confidence ratings can sometimes produce counterintuitive results, including the amplification of subjective beliefs. We report three experiments investigating how trial-by-trial confidence judgments affect the extremity of beliefs. In Experiments 1 and 2, participa…
Mobilizing the Majority: The Role of Intergroup Contact and Exposure to Conceptualizations of Racism in Promoting Intergroup Solidarity
Intergroup contact is known to predict advantaged group members’ solidarity with minority outgroups, which is crucial given persisting racial inequalities. To identify whether exposure to a conceptualization of racism can affect the contact–action relationship, two studies were conducted with White participants randomly allocated to a systemic racism, individual racism, or baseline condition, and their intergroup contact quality with racial minor…
Momentary fluctuations in body image dissatisfaction among women: The role of self-concept clarity
Low self-concept clarity is linked to a greater tendency to engage in appearance-based comparisons and a greater degree of internalization of societal appearance ideals, both of which contribute to body dissatisfaction. This study extends previous trait-level research by examining whether momentary fluctuations in self-concept clarity also predict these outcomes. A sample of 203 women completed trait measures of self-concept clarity, appearance c…
Valuing your partner more: Linking emotional intelligence to better relationship quality
Emotional intelligence (EI) has been positively associated with relationship quality in romantic couples, but few studies have examined the mechanisms underlying this association. The current study examines the mediating role of extrinsic emotion regulation (regulating your partner’s emotions) on the associations between EI and relationship quality. Specifically, we studied the mediating effects of three extrinsic regulation strategies involving …
Psychology (19 works) · Social Psychology (18 works) · Developmental psychology (14 works) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics (11 works) · Social Psychology (9 works) · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior (7 works) · Romance (7 works) · Affect (linguistics (5 works) · Cognitive psychology (5 works) · Behavioral Health and Interventions (4 works)