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My research examines close relationships from a social cognitive perspective. I am interested in how people's motivational preferences affect interpersonal thought and behaviour, particularly when they face conflicting goals. I am also interested in social support, relationship initiation and how prior relationship experiences influence people’s approach to subsequent relationships.

I am always seeking motivated volunteers to serve as research assistants in the field of close relationships. If you are interested in joining my lab, please contact me for more information. I am currently accepting graduate students.

• Marigold, D.C., Cavallo, J. V., Holmes, J.G., & Wood, J. V. (2014). You can’t always give what you want: The challenge of providing social support to low self-esteem individuals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 107, 56-80.
• Cavallo, J. V. & Holmes, J. G. (2013). The importance of feeling valued: Perceived regard in romantic relationships. In C. N. DeWall (Ed.), Oxford handbook of social exclusion (pp. 91-100). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• Cavallo, J. V., Murray, S. L., & Holmes, J. G. (2013). Regulating interpersonal risk. In J. A. Simpson & L. Campbell (Eds.), Oxford handbook of close relationships (pp. 116-134). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• Cavallo, J. V., Holmes, J. G., Fitzsimons, G. M., Murray, S. L., & Wood, J. V. (2012). Managing motivational conflict: How self-esteem and executive resources influence self-regulatory responses to risk. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 103, 430-451.
• MacGregor, J. C. D. & Cavallo, J. V. (2011). Breaking the rules: Personal control increases women’s active relationship initiation. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 28, 848-867.
• Cavallo, J. V., Fitzsimons, G. M., & Holmes, J. G. (2010). When self-protection overreaches: Relationship-specific threat activates domain-general avoidance motivation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 46, 1-8.
• Cavallo, J. V., Fitzsimons, G. M., & Holmes, J. G. (2009). Taking chances in the face of threat: Romantic risk regulation and approach motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 35, 737-751.