Sara Abadi, PhD

Dr. Sara Abadi is a leading researcher and educator in the field of Love & Attraction, specializing in interpersonal relationships, romantic dynamics, and psychological determinants of attraction. With over 12 years of experience in both academia and applied research, she has contributed to groundbreaking studies on romantic attachment, dating behavior, and relationship satisfaction. Dr. Abadi is committed to providing evidence-based insights that empower individuals to understand and improve their relationships.

Specialization

Romantic Psychology
Attachment Styles and Relationship Dynamics
Behavioral Research on Dating and Attraction
Relationship Counseling & Coaching
Cross-Cultural Studies of Love and Intimacy

Education

2006–2010: BSc in Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
2010–2012: MSc in Social Psychology, Stanford University
2012–2016: PhD in Relationship Science, University of Michigan

Professional Experience

2016–2018: Postdoctoral Fellow in Interpersonal Relationships, Yale University
2018–2021: Senior Researcher, Center for Relationship Studies, New York
2021–Present: Director of Research & Education, Love & Attraction Institute
Consultant for dating apps, relationship therapy programs, and media outlets

Research Cases and Project Highlights

“Attachment Styles and Long-Term Relationship Success” (2019): Conducted a longitudinal study of 1,200 couples; found that secure attachment predicts higher satisfaction and lower conflict rates. Published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
“Digital Dating Behavior Across Cultures” (2020): Analyzed user behavior on multiple dating apps across 5 countries; results showed that communication style differences strongly affect match retention rates. Findings informed dating app interface improvements for cross-cultural compatibility.
“Love Languages and Relationship Fulfillment” (2021): Ran controlled experiments with 450 participants to test the efficacy of love language interventions; couples using personalized strategies reported a 38% increase in perceived relationship satisfaction.
“Romantic Decision-Making and Cognitive Biases” (2022): Discovered patterns in partner choice influenced by implicit biases; results presented at the International Conference on Relationship Psychology.

Selected Scientific Publications

Abadi, S., & Miller, J. (2022). "The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Romantic Attraction." Journal of Relationship Science, 14(3), 221–239.
Abadi, S. (2020). "Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Online Dating Behavior." International Journal of Social Psychology, 28(2), 102–118.
Abadi, S., & Lee, H. (2018). "Attachment and Relationship Longevity: A Longitudinal Approach." Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 35(6), 754–772.

Professional Memberships

Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP)
International Association for Relationship Research (IARR)
American Psychological Association (APA), Division 43: Family Psychology

Work on Educational Programs

Creator of “Modern Love Lab”: online courses on building healthy relationships and attraction awareness
Developer of workshops for couples: communication skills, conflict resolution, and intimacy enhancement
Mentor for graduate students in romantic psychology research

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Guest on NPR: “The Science of Love and Attraction”
TEDx Talk: “Understanding the Chemistry of Love” (2021)
Host of podcast series “Relationship Insights with Dr. Sara Abadi”

Unique Values and Experience

Dr. Abadi integrates rigorous scientific research with practical guidance, creating evidence-based tools that help individuals and couples improve emotional connection, communication, and relationship satisfaction. Her cross-cultural studies provide rare insights into universal and culturally specific dynamics of love, making her a trusted expert in the field.