Lisa C. Walsh, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Social/Personality Psychology
​Marriage and Close Relationships Lab
University of California, Los Angeles
  Email: [email protected]
  Twitter: lisawalsh08
  LinkedIn: lisawalsh08​
 Google Scholar: Lisa C. Walsh 
How can everyone live their own version of the good life? Philosophers, writers, and laypeople have attempted to answer this question for centuries. One emerging answer increasing backed by psychological science suggests that feelings of connectedness, which are prompted by positive social behaviors and satisfying close relationships, are the key to a happy and fulfilling life.

Accordingly, I research the who, what, where, when, why and how of happiness. I investigate the architecture of subjective well-being, including its outcomes (e.g., positive emotions, life satisfaction), mechanisms (e.g., social connection), moderators (e.g., gender, culture), and downstream consequences (e.g., career success, physical health). In broadest terms, my work aims to (1) understand the effects of social behaviors (e.g., expressing gratitude, doing acts of kindness) on well-being, and (2) investigate links between close relationships (with romantic partners, friends, family) and well-being. Considering the rise of digital communication, I also examine the effects of technology (e.g., smartphones, social media, AI) on social interactions, close relationships, and well-being.

I completed my Ph.D. in the Positive Activities and Well-Being Lab at UC Riverside with Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky. I am currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with Dr. Benjamin Karney, Dr. Thomas Bradbury, and Dr. Victor Kaufman in the UCLA Marriage and Close Relationships Lab. 

Some of my recent work explores:​
  • How are different types of close relationships (with romantic partners, friends, and family) interactively linked to well-being?
  • Do singles need a romantic partner to live happily ever after? 
  • Does putting down your smartphone make you happier?
  • Are some social media apps "better" for well-being than others?
  • Can gratitude motivate people to improve themselves (e.g., work harder, be kinder)?
  • What are the effects of positive social behaviors (e.g., gratitude, kindness) on health (e.g., eating behavior, gene expression)?
  • Does happiness precede and lead to career success?
  • How does culture influence happiness?

I currently live in Mar Vista, California with my husband Tim Yeo.