Karen S. Rook

Picture of Karen S. Rook
Professor, Psychological Science
School of Social Ecology
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Phone: (949) 824-4196, 5574
Fax: (949) 824-3002
Email: ksrook@uci.edu
University of California, Irvine
Psychology and Social Behavior
300C Social Ecology Building I
Mail Code: 7085
Irvine, CA 92697
Research Interests
gerontology, social psychology, health psychology, social support and social networks
Research Abstract
My research focuses on social psychological factors that affect older adults' psychological and physical health, particularly their friendships and family relationships. I am interested in such issues as: 1) how aspirations and expectations for social network involvement change as people grow older, and how these changes influence their life satisfaction; 2) how older adults seek to compensate for, or adapt to, the loss of important social relationships, 3) how experiences of conflict versus support with social network members affect older adults' emotional health; 4) how interactions with family members and friends influence older adults' self-care practices and health behaviors, and 5) how older adults strive to achieve an optimal balance of solitude and social contact in their lives. Other work is concerned with the antecedents and consequences of loneliness in young adults and older adults.
Publications
Please see link to PSB Faculty Webpage for updated publication listing.
Last updated
10/07/2008