About the Society
The Society is an international, multidisciplinary, scientific association devoted to interpersonal theory and research that is broadly informed by, but not limited to, the meta-constructs of agency and communion, and their implications for normal and abnormal psychology. By encouraging systematic theory and empirical research, the Society seeks to identify the universe of interpersonal constructs, articulate the dynamic processes and mechanisms underlying interpersonal behavior, and illuminate interconnections between the self and interpersonal relations.
The aims of the Society are (1) to encourage the development of this interdisciplinary theory and research, (2) to create and support a community of interpersonal scholars, (3) to foster the communication, understanding, and application of research findings and theoretical advances, and (4) to enhance the scientific and social value of interpersonal theory and research.
The Society meets annually, maintains an active website and listserv, and publishes an electronic newsletter three times a year. These activities promote the following goals: to communicate current theoretical developments, research ideas, methods, and findings; to encourage ongoing discussion of work in progress; and to facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Message from the President
Welcome to the website for The Society for Interpersonal Theory and Research (SITAR). Beyond our catchy acronym for a name, we are committed to integrative theory and research advancing the science of interpersonal behavior. Our small, yet bright and energetic circle of members have contributed to the understanding of measurement of interpersonal phenomena, theoretical models, and translations to clinical and other applications. We tend to “geek out” about circumplex models anchored by higher-order dimensions of agency and communion as a framework for mapping social experience, although we engage with any thoughtful and creative work focused on social processes. Our annual conference provides a way to continue this work, and we strive to spotlight the work of graduate students while also welcoming seasoned professionals. Simply put, we are all about rigor and relationships. We hope that you will join us for the upcoming virtual conference, which will feature a keynote address on the circumplex, methods workshop on a relevant R package, and a diverse set of papers and posters centered on dynamic daily processes, personality pathology, cultural factors, and assessment. Attend our conference, check out past newsletters (more to come after a hiatus), and join the active listserv to be part of the conversation. Welcome to the circle! — Thane Erickson, PhD