My Research

Communication and Close Relationships

Interpersonal relationships are, in large measure, defined and sustained by various consequential conversations people engage in. We argue to resolve conflict, seek and convey support, and gain and resist compliance. These conversations both reflect and have the potential to alter the nature of the relationships in which they occur. My program of research examines the cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of conversations in close relationships.

Dynamic Communication Processes

Communication is worthy of study because it is capable of producing changes in conversation partners and audiences. I draw on longitudinal survey methods, physiological measures, multilevel structural equation modeling, meta-analysis, and dynamic dyadic systems methods to characterize and dissect the causal processes and dynamics that underlie a broad range of communication experiences.

Addressing Challenges to Human Well-Being

Outside of a focus on the well-being of close relationships, my research has examined how patterns of provider-patient communication can improve patient outcomes, as well as how it may manifest and potentially exacerbate health disparities. In addition, in work funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, I have examined the effects of visual features of persuasive messages in promoting climate action.

Refereed Journal Articles

  1. Vu, N. C., Li, Y., & High, A. C. (2025). A meta-analytic review of advice response theory. Communication Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/00936502251351041
    *Shared first authorship with Nhung Vu*
  2. Solomon, D. H., Tian, X., Li, Y., & Li, S. S. (2025). Showcasing studies of speaking turns and conversational motifs to elaborate conceptions of language within a dynamic dyadic systems perspective on conversation. Journal of Language and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251316863
  3. Bünzli, F., Dillard, J. P., Li, Y., & Eppler, M. J. (2025). When visual communication backfires: Reactance to three aspects of imagery. Communication Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/00936502241306707
  4. Haverfield, M. C., Li, Y., Pines, R., Titova, D., Kyte, T., & Theiss, J. A. (2025). Applying dynamic dyadic systems to explore features of relationship-centered care among Spanish and non-Spanish speaking patients. Patient Education and Counseling. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2025.108650
  5. Solomon, D. H., Li, Y., Brisini, K. S., & Vanderbilt, R. R. (2024). A longitudinal test of relational turbulence theory and serial arguments in romantic relationships. Journal of Communication. https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqae031
  6. Zhou, Y., Li, Y., & Dillard, J. P. (2024). Pushing reactance theory: An examination of process in the context of advice. Motivation Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/mot0000327 
  7. Li, Y., & Worley, T. (2023). Predicting compliance with interpersonal masking requests: Insights from relational framing and reactance theories. Communication Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1080/01463373.2023.2299454 
  8. Tian, X., Li, Y., & Solomon, D. H. (2023). How do qualities of supportive conversations affect heart rate variability during conversations about the death of a parent?. Health Communication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2023.2252639 
  9. Li, Y., & Worley, T. (2023). A review and integration of research on serial arguments. Annals of the International Communication Association, 47(3), 292–323. https://doi.org/10.1080/23808985.2023.2201581 
  10. Li, Y., & Solomon, D. H. (2023). Operationalizing relational construal level to test relational turbulence theory: Linking relational turbulence in romantic relationships to interpersonal processes. Journal of Social & Personal Relationships, 40(1), 102-129. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221113360  
  11. Brinker, D. L., Foley, K. A., Zhou, Y., Acevedo-Callejas, M. L., Li, Y., & Farrell, E. L. (2022). Use of a smartphone medication reminder application to support emerging adult adherence to non-antibiotic treatment for viral upper respiratory tract infection. Journal of Primary Care and Community Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319221129732 
  12. Zhou, Y., Acevedo Callejas, M. L., Li, Y., & MacGeorge, E. L. (2021). What does patient-centered communication look like?: Linguistic markers of provider compassionate care and shared decision-making and their impacts on patient outcomes. Health Communication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2021.1989139 
  13. Foley, K. A., MacGeorge, E. L., Brinker, D. L., Li, Y., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Doctors’ advising on symptom management for upper respiratory tract infections: Does elaborated reasoning influence antibiotic stewardship? Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 39(3), 349-374. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X20912460 

Book Chapters

  1. Li, Y. (In Progress). Clarifying Dyadic Synchrony and Relational Construal Level as Mechanisms of Relational Turbulence. In J. A. Theiss, R. McLaren, L. Knobloch, & D. H. Solomon (Eds.), Cambridge Handbook of Relational Turbulence. Cambridge University Press.
  2. Li, Y. & Solomon, D. H. (Under Review). A dynamic dyadic systems perspective on supportive conversation. In M. H. Faw, J. R. Pederson, A. J. Holmstrom, & A. C. High (Eds.), Handbook of Supportive Communication. Routledge.
  3. Li, Y. (2021). Reasoning about persuasive messages. In M. E. Stuckey & D. J. Manthey (Eds.), Persuasion and propaganda. Edited textbook for CAS175: Persuasion and Propaganda at Penn State University.