Tatum Jolink

Position title: Assistant Professor

Address:
Joining the Department
in Fall 2026

Research Area(s)
Social

Research Interests
My research focuses on the study of close relationships and tries to understand the basic behavioral and biological mechanisms at the root of high-quality interactions with close others. I primarily examine positive affiliative behaviors that help to initiate and strengthen close relationships (e.g., affectionate touch, shared laughter, sex) and how the body contributes to and is affected by experiences with close others (e.g., via the immune system, psychophysiology, sleep processes). Lately, I’ve been fascinated by enduring mysteries in relationship initiation: How do we know if/when we’ve met a compatible partner? When and how does meeting someone online through a dating app transition to developing that new relationship offline? And what is the role of the body during relationship initiation? My lab uses multiple methods to investigate these topics, including in-lab dyadic interactions, behavioral and linguistic coding, longitudinal methods (ecological momentary assessment, daily diary, event-contingent sampling) and app-based data collection, as well as pharmacological experimental approaches and physiological and psychoneuroimmunological methods. Ultimately, I hope this research helps people find connection or reconnection with those in their lives.

Representative Publications

Jolink, T. A., & Salomon, R. E. (2025). Health during relationship transitions: Policy implications for dating, new parenthood, and bereavement. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 12(1), 85-93.

Gordon, A. M., Thorson, K. R., Jolink, T. A., From, A., Diamond, E., & Segal, N. B. (in press). Toward a Science of Relationship Forecasting: Considerations and Recommendations. American Psychologist.

Jolink, T. A., Feldman, M. J., Antenucci, N. M., Cardenas, M. N., West, T. N., Nakamura, Z. M., & Muscatell, K. A. (2025). Effects of a mild inflammatory challenge on cytokines and sickness behavior: A randomized controlled trial using the influenza vaccine. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 128, 429-439.

Jolink, T.A., & Algoe, S.B. (2024). What happens in initial interactions forecasts relationship development: Showcasing the role of social behavior. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 15(2), 142-156.

Jolink, T.A., Way, B.M., Younge, A., Oveis, C., & Algoe, S.B. (2023). Everyday co-presence with a romantic partner is associated with lower C-reactive protein. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 107, 132-139.

Jolink, T.A., Chang, Y.P., & Algoe, S.B. (2022). Perceived partner responsiveness forecasts behavioral intimacy as measured by affectionate touch. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 48(2), 203-221.