Brett Jakubiak

Associate Professor, Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences Link

Faculty Affiliate, Aging Studies Institute
Faculty Affiliate, Center for Aging and Policy Stuies

CAPS Biography:

My research focuses on close relationships across the adult lifespan. I investigate how involvement in close relationships helps individuals manage stress, pursue personal goals, revise their attachment orientations, and cope with chronic illness. I have a particular interest in the individual and relational consequences of receiving affectionate touch throughout the adult lifespan. My training is in psychology, with specific expertise in social, personality, and health psychology, all of which aligns with CAPS signature theme of health and well-being. I use experimental and observational approaches and have experience with complex statistical analyses that are necessary to study dyads over time. I received a pre-doctoral NRSA training fellowship from the National Institute on Aging as a graduate student, and I continue to conduct research that includes or has applications to aging populations as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Syracuse University and an affiliate of the NIA-funded Center for Aging and Policy Studies (CAPS), as well as the Syracuse University Aging Studies Institute. My work on support within relationships (including family support) often includes older adult couples, who face unique stressors and may benefit from unique forms of social support to improve and protect their health and well-being. In this way, my research is also aligned with the CAPS signature theme of family and intergenerational supports.