The Healthy Experiences Across Relationships and Transitions (HEART) Lab

The mission of the HEART lab is to help adolescents and young adults develop and maintain healthy relationships with the people around them, including romantic partners, parents, friends, and teachers.

A digital illustration of a heart divided into two halves, one green and one red, with circuit-like patterns inside indicating technology and emotion connection, surrounded by arrows forming a circular cycle.
A diverse group of young adults standing outdoors, smiling, in front of a modern glass building with trees in the background.

Adolescence and early adulthood are stages of life in which it can be challenging to navigate relationships. Teens and young adults become more independent as they start to develop their friendships and romantic relationships. Relationships with parents may also change during this period of development as they grow more autonomous. Our research aims to understand the rewarding experiences that people have within these different relationships, as well as how we can promote healthy and effective strategies to support adolescents and young adults through negative relationship experiences.

We hope to create a positive lifelong impact on health and well-being, academic success, and adjustment to future changes in life by helping teens and young adults identify, form, and maintain healthy relationships. 

Congratulations to our incredible RAs, Maximo, Linh, Christien, and Katya, on their graduation this semester! 🎉 We’re so proud of all you've accomplished and extend our sincerest thanks for all you've done for us at the HEART Lab. We wish you
Meet Dr. Thao Ha! Dr. Ha is a developmental psychologist and principal investigator of the HEART Lab (Healthy Experiences Across Relationships and Transitions Lab). As the lab’s PI, Dr. Ha secures grant funding, ensures compliance with ethic
This past week, we celebrated two of our incredible RAs who were recognized at the Psychology Undergraduate Awards and Scholarship Ceremony! 🎉 Huge congratulations to Galilea Rivero, recipient of the Dariel Truter Overby Memorial Scholarship, and Sa
“You liked that post?!” 👀💔 We're back with another simplified study! For teens, even a simple double-tap can spark jealousy—and sometimes, abusive behaviors. This new study explores how digital relationship threats (like liking
Looking for a unique date night? Only 15 spots left to earn up to $80! Participate in ASU’s Virtual Reality Couples Study, enjoy an immersive experience in the Dreamscape Pods, and earn up to $80! Email DreamscapeTouchStudy@gmail.com to sign up
Meet Brooke! Brooke earned her BS in Psychology from ASU in May 2024 and is passionate about researching family dynamics, birth order, and the impact of social media and technology on mental health and relationships. She’s currently gaining re
Meet Olivia! Olivia is a fourth year Developmental Psychology PhD student in the HEART Lab. Before coming to ASU, Olivia earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology at University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She studies adolescent and young adult interpersonal
Meet Natalie! Natalie graduated in 2024 from ASU with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is interested in researching human sexual behavior, how it impacts the quality of romantic relationships, and the treatment of problematic/compulsive
Meet Jen! Jen is a second year Developmental Psychology PhD student working in the HEART Lab. Before ASU, Jen earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Psychological Science at Cal State San Marcos. She is interested in the role of d