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Renae Franiuk

Renae Franiuk

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My research is primarily centered around various aspects of interpersonal relationships. One line of research interests is related to implicit theories of romantic relationships. I study the correlates and consequences of holding a soulmate or a work-it-out theory of relationships. Soulmate theorists believe that finding the right person is critical for relationship success and that there's only one or a select few people in the world with whom they're meant to be. Work-it-out theorists look to work and effort to sustain their relationship over time, and believe they could be happy with most people. My colleagues and I have shown these theories to be related to relationship satisfaction, longevity, and other relationship processes. Another line of research includes studying effects of rape myths in media coverage of sexual assault cases. I have found that people exposed to rape myths in newspaper articles and newspaper headlines are more likely to endorse negative attitudes towards sexual assault victims (than those not exposed to these myths). Further, those exposed to myths are more likely to think a defendant is not guilty in a sexual assault case. Finally, my colleague, Jill Coleman, and I do some research on perceptions of stay-at-home and working parents.

Primary Interests:

  • Aggression, Conflict, Peace
  • Close Relationships
  • Gender Psychology
  • Social Cognition

Journal Articles:

  • Franiuk, R. (2007). Discussing and Defining Sexual Assault: A Classroom Activity. College Teaching, 55, 104-107.
  • Franiuk, R., Cohen, D., & Pomerantz, E.M. (2002). Implicit theories of relationships: Implications for relationship satisfaction and longevity. Personal Relationships, 9, 345-367.
  • Franiuk, R., Pomerantz, E.M., & Cohen, D. (2004). The causal role of theories of relationships: Consequences for satisfaction and cognitive strategies. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30, 1494-1507.
  • Franiuk, R., Seefelt, J.L., Cepress, S.L., & Vandello, J.A. (2008). Prevalence and effects of rape myths in the media: The Kobe Bryant case. Violence Against Women, 14, 287-309.
  • Franiuk, R., Seefelt, J.L., & Vandello, J.A. (in press) Prevalence of Rape Myths in Headlines and their Effects on Attitudes Toward Rape. Sex Roles.

Courses Taught:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Personality Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Understanding Wellness
  • Violence Against Women

Renae Franiuk
Department of Psychology
Aurora University
347 S. Gladstone
Aurora, Illinois 60506
United States of America

  • Phone: (630) 844-3692

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