Donald H. Baucom, Ph.D.
Richard Lee Simpson
Distinguished Professor of Psychology

This website provides an overview of my professional activities and describes our Couples Lab at UNC. My research, teaching, and clinical involvement all flow from my major professional interests focusing on (a) intimate, committed relationships such as marriage, (b) psychotherapy from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, and (c) the integration of the two areas. I have a passion for work in these areas, and I attempt to engage graduate students in a variety of ways in these domains so that they can develop their own careers in ways that are rewarding for them and also beneficial to society.

Our Couples Lab brings together a number of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates who share a common interest in studying adult, committed, intimate relationships. We collaborate in developing theory, conducting research, and engaging in teaching and clinical training, all aimed toward promoting healthy relationships. Importantly, our laboratory embraces diversity in our research topics, practices, and team. We study how relationships differ across groups and work to develop couples-based interventions that are sensitive to the unique needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This research focus means that we must engage in research practices that represent people of all identities and aspire to advance the study of relationships across race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, and experience. Importantly, we also believe in the value of a diverse team and welcome and support the careers of lab members of all backgrounds.