Ty Tashiro, Ph.D.             Assistant Professor, Counseling Office: 2147B, Biology-Psychology 301-405-5909  (voice)           301-314-5966 (fax)           Email: tashiro@psyc.umd.edu

Current Research and Teaching Interests:

Ty Tashiro received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 2004. His program of research is focused on enhancing interpersonal problem-solving by applying laboratory findings from social psychology to relational problems commonly dealt with in clinical settings. One line of research uses affect and social cognition findings to examine how negative emotion may activate maladaptive cognitive and behavioral patterns, whereas positive emotion may foster insight into interpersonal problems by enhancing creativity.  A second line of research, based on self-affirmation theory, investigates the possibility that emotional distress experienced following relationship breakups or divorce provides opportunities for personal growth that can enhance future relationships. The third area of research observes how friends talk to each other about problems in their other interpersonal relationships and what types of friends provide advice that is actually helpful. His teaching interests include courses on research methods, the development of psychological strengths, and close relationships.