Research projects

Disentangling multiplexity: When and how it matters

To date, we know very little about how the presence of multiplex relationships (i.e., a relation that includes more than one role) impacts information sharing. Identifying patterns of selective disclosure among multiplex relationships would illuminate how individuals navigate this complex process, a process that has the potential to either help or harm the discloser while also creating information gaps not otherwise visible in network inventories. Such gaps between ties further restricts the flow of information and available resources within a network. Together, research on social networks and selective disclosure demonstrates that network structure greatly impacts the flow of information and resources. For example, the density of the network and content available for transmission can create redundancy, thus either facilitating or stifling creativity and productivity efforts. However, under some conditions it appears high density may not always predict content redundancy. Instead, research conducted by Mario Small, Sarah Cowan, Nancy Howell and others have identified information gaps between ties even within the core discussion network. In many networks, the potential for content transmission is present but it is either filtered (e.g., white lies, partial truths) or prevented (e.g., secrecy), creating gaps between ties: agentic holes. An agentic hole refers to a missing element instead of structure, such as content, one created by the entity itself. In other words, two individuals may have a role relation (e.g., spouses) but the flow of information, or access to resources, may be absent, thus greatly impacting content transmission throughout the network. 

Unveiling the Impact of Stigma Management on Psychological Distress within Social Networks

Does stigma alter how individuals recall their social networks? Stigma refers to negatively evaluated characteristics both visible and invisible, significantly impacting behaviors such as confiding and deception by prompting individuals to selectively disclose information to some while concealing from others. Like other forms of content (e.g., information and resources), stigma circulates within networks both directly (e.g., experience) and indirectly (e.g., witness). To avoid conflict and negative affect, individuals strategically decide how and with whom to share information (i.e., selective disclosure). However, if the discloser chooses incorrectly, selectively disclosing stigmatizing information can be fraught with risks, such as rejection, discrimination, and reinforced stigmatization, ultimately leading to poor mental health. Identifying patterns of selective disclosure may reveal how individuals navigate complex social space, a process that has the potential to either help or harm the discloser.   

The reflection of subjective status in networks

In this project, we utilize newly acquired data that aligns with the General Social Survey (GSS) to investigate the connection between subjective status and social networks, including their structure and composition. Our findings indicate that individuals who perceive themselves to be doing better than others in their community tend to have larger networks and are more likely to be members of more volunteer organizations. These findings relate to studies examining how subjective status, akin to the social ranking among non-human primates (e.g., baboons), affects their behavior and longevity. In this context, we draw connections between subjective status and group membership dynamics, including networks and organizational affiliations, to better comprehend how status influences the development of relationships and facilitates access to various forms of social capital.