Gillath Relationships Lab

06/02/2026

These days, “people are losing relationships,” says Gillath. “People are spending less time with friends, spending less time with romantic partners.”

Nearly three-quarters of Americans get together with their close relationships twice a month or less, and 29% rarely or never talk with them through phone or video calls

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/01/pope-leo-xiv-shined-a-much-needed-spotlight-on-ai-say-expertswhy-it-matters.html
University of Kansas Department of Psychology

In May, Pope Leo XIV discussed artificial intelligence in his encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas."

02/27/2026

Nice to be featured on ABCNews
University of Kansas Department of Psychology

What's your attachment style

02/16/2026

Despite growing up with smartphones, 63% of Gen Z now intentionally unplug, the highest rate of any generation.

On average, 70% of time Americans spend online leaves them feeling disconnected and lonely rather than genuinely connected, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed (25%), anxious (22%), and irritable (18%).

84% of Americans have adopted analogue lifestyle choices, with 32% writing in notebooks, 31% reading printed books, and 28% using paper calendars to create boundaries screens can’t provide.
70% of Americans plan to read more in 2026, with half choosing physical books specifically, citing how reading makes them feel relaxed (46%), mentally stimulated (32%), and grounded (27%).
https://studyfinds.org/young-americans-unplugging-happier/
Do you ever unplug?
University of Kansas Department of Psychology

People who create screen-free time in their day say they feel more productive, more present with loved ones, and more aware of what's happening around them.

02/16/2026

What you think about your attachment style might be completely wrong

Prof Gillath said that since the categories are based on large samples of statistics, they won’t be a perfect fit for anyone. Everyone can be a little anxious or a little avoidant, depending on circumstances.

For some people, the label could do more harm than good.

What's your attachment style? Why does it matter? Since Dr. Amir Levine wrote the book “Attached,” which popularized the concept, attachment style has entered the mainstream in discussions about relationships.

12/13/2025

Prof. Gillath is honored to deliver the keynote presentation at IAC 2026. Let him know if you are attending the conference

University of Kansas Department of Psychology
KU Leuven

12/05/2025

Every tweet, selfie, rant, or silent scroll may feel casual, but your social media style often reflects underlying traits of your personality. From midnight tweets to carefully edited photos, the way you show up online can hint at patterns you might not even realize you’re sharing.
University of Kansas Department of Psychology

Your social media habits can reveal more about your personality than you think — from your posts to the way you interact online.

11/02/2025

Happy Halloween 🎃
Prof. Gillath said things like haunted houses or roller coasters allow us to push beyond our boundaries and experience something out of the ordinary. But in a controlled way.
“So, we can run away … or we can stand and fight,” Gillath said. “But after that, the body is releasing all of these feel-good neurotransmitters who are allowing you to basically relax and reach this level of like … a boost that people enjoy.”

On the latest episode of the Range, we celebrate Halloween with a visit to Field of Screams.

11/02/2025

A large new study reveals how early relationships with parents and friends influence how we relate to those closest to us in adulthood
University of Kansas Department of Psychology

A large new study reveals how early relationships with parents and friends influence how we relate to those closest to us in adulthood

05/12/2025

"For most people, having three or four close friends is “more than enough,” says Omri Gillath, professor of psychology at the University of Kansas." Read more in the link

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently said AI could fill the need for human relationships. That's "definitely not supported by research," says expert.

05/12/2025

Congratulations Prof. Gillath on becoming a board memebr of the International Association of Relationship Research