Research
Bio
I am a Professor of Social Psychology at Sabanci University, Turkey. I received my bachelor’s degree from Middle East Technical University, Turkey and my Ph.D. from Cornell University, United States. In 2020, I received the Science Academy of Turkey’s Young Scientist Award and the Science and Technology Research Council of Turkey’s Early Career Award. I served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology between 2020-2024 and currently serve as an Editorial Board Member for Social Psychological and Personality Science. I am a Board Member at the International Association for Relationship Research and served on the Editorial Board of the association’s journal, Personal Relationships, in 2021-2022.
Research Overview
My research focuses on understanding the formation, maintenance, and functions of close relationships during adulthood. My work in recent years largely centered around three interrelated topics. In the first line of research, my colleagues and I investigate the links of marital or long-term romantic relationship processes with relational, psychological, and physical well-being over time (e.g., Ascigil et al., 2020; Ong et al., 2020; Selcuk et al., 2012, 2016, 2017; Selcuk & Ong, 2013 Slatcher & Selcuk, 2017; Slatcher et al., 2015; Stanton et al., 2019; Tasfiliz et al., 2018). In a second, closely related research program in collaboration with Gul Gunaydin, we investigate conditions that foster attachment, belonging, and relationship quality during important relational turning points including starting a new relationship or getting married (Bayraktaroglu et al., 2023; Gunaydin et al., 2021, Selcuk et al., in press). Finally, in a recently launched research program, we examine the role of socioecological factors (e.g., residential mobility) in relationship processes (e.g., Selcuk & Gunaydin, 2023; Yilmaz et al., 2022).
Research Awards
Early Career Award. Science and Technology Research Council of Turkey. (2020).
Young Scientist Award (BAGEP). Science Academy, Turkey. (2020).
*Cigdem Kagitcibasi BAGEP Social Psychology Award
Early Career Researcher Award. Middle East Technical University. (2018).
Best Paper Award. Society for Personality and Social Psychology Relationship Researchers Interest Group. (2013).
Research Fellowships and Grants
Minimal Interactions as an Alternate Social Resource to Close Relationships. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. Grant Amount: TL 1,818,500. Role: Investigator. (March 1, 2024-February 28, 2027).
A cross-cultural investigation of minimal social interactions. Sabanci University. Grant Amount: TL 600,000. Role: Co-Principal Investigator (September 1, 2022-August 31 2025).
Toward enhancing the applied potential of relationship science via basic research: Examining interpersonal variability in support processes and its consequences for relational well-being. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. Grant Amount: TL 439,325. Role: Principal Investigator. (January 15, 2021-January 15, 2024).
Examining sources of variation in perceived partner responsiveness. Sabanci University. Grant amount: TL 99,072. Role: Principal Investigator. (March 26th, 2020-March 25th, 2023).
Using laboratory observations to uncover emotional processes in romantic relationships. Sabanci University. Grant amount: TL 100,000. Role: Investigator. (March 26th, 2020-March 25th, 2023).
The role of responsiveness variability and average responsiveness in relational outcomes. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. Grant amount: TL 596,173. Role: Investigator. (November 1st, 2018-October 31st, 2021).
Formation and development of attachment mental representations in adulthood. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. Grant amount: TL 262,087. Role: Investigator. (May 1st, 2015-April 1st, 2018).
Developing a game engine for mobile devices to increase social interactions. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. Grant amount: TL 397,098. Role: Consultant. (May 1st, 2015-November 1st, 2016).
Research infrastructure improvement grant. Middle East Technical University. Grant amount: TL 200,000. Role: Investigator. (January 1st, 2016-December 31st, 2016).
The role of maternal responsiveness in children’s self-regulation in the first year of life. Middle East Technical University. Grant amount: TL 19,755.60. Role: Principal Investigator. (January 1st, 2015-December 31st, 2015).
Harold Feldman, Flemmie Kittrell, Virginia Cutler, Esther Stocks, and Flora Rose Fellowships. Cornell University College of Human Ecology. Fellowship amount: $53,331. (2012-2013).
Graduate Studies Fellowship. Higher Education Council of Turkey. Fellowship amount: $173,563 (2008-2012).
Visiting Researcher Fellowship. Fulbright Commission of Turkey. Fellowship amount: $27,500 (2007-2008).