RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research interests primarily lie in the area of family relationships and dysfunction, with an emphasis on the developmental, clinical, and legal implications of attachment theory.

My research program has focused on attachment relationships across the lifespan in relation to:

• Family processes (Hobdy et al., in press; Jacobvitz, Riggs, & Johnson, 1999; Riggs & Jacobvitz, 2002)
• Psychopathology (Kaminski, Klinger, Riggs, & Hoffman, 2004; Riggs et al., 2007; Riggs et al., in press; Riggs & Jacobvitz, 1999, 2001, 2002; Riggs, Vosvick, & Stallings, in press; Weschler et al, 2006)
• Trauma (Jacobvitz, Hazen, & Riggs, 1997; Jacobvitz & Riggs, 1999; Riggs et al., 2007; Riggs et al., in press; Riggs & Jacobvitz, 1998; Wood & Riggs, revision under review)
• Clinical processes (Adams & Riggs, revision under review; Ramos et al., 2002; Riggs, 2002; Riggs, Jacobvitz, & Hazen, 2002; Riggs & Bretz, 2006;)
• Applications of attachment theory to judicial decisions regarding custody and visitation issues in the aftermath of divorce (Amato & Riggs, 2004; Riggs, 2002, 2003, 2005)

For current research projects, check out our Family Attachment Lab homepage!