Research Focus in the RQ Lab

The RQ Lab is focused understanding and increasing relational intelligence (RQ) among individuals, couples, and groups, particularly in the field of behavioral health. We write about and research a variety of topics, including sexual health, couple therapy, and group therapy. Specific topics have included group interventions for out of control sexual behavior, and integrative approaches in couple therapy. Lab members and collaborators present on a variety of related topics at national and international conferences for mental health professionals and researchers.

RQ Lab Members at Brigham Young University

Emma J. Myers is the RQ lab manager and doctoral student in counseling psychology at Brigham Young University. Emma earned a BS in neuroscience with a minor in psychology from BYU. She is passionate about the interplay between physiology and psychology, particularly how they interact to facilitate relational development and sexual health and intimacy. Emma grew up on the North shore of Chicago. After 10 years in Utah, you can now find her skiing the Wasatch, swimming, trail running, or climbing in the canyons. If she's not exploring a new place with her husband, Andrew, she is studying, shooting a roll of 35mm film, or listening to an audio book.

 

Kiara Aguirre is a doctoral student in counseling psychology at Brigham Young University, where she also earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in family studies. Her research interests include emotionality, ethics, agency, and relationality. She has explored these themes in various publications, including contributions to the Routledge International Handbook of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology as well as the Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology. Originally from the West Coast, Kiara now enjoys life along the Wasatch Front. Outside of her academic work she spends time with her husband and their dog, and she also enjoys gardening, comedy, writing, and acting.

 

Frequent Outside Collaborators

  • Elisabeth D. Bennett, PhD, professor — Gonzaga University
  • Mary Fisher, CMHC, CST, psychotherapist
  • Nathan R. Hardy, PhD, LMFT, associate professor — Oklahoma State University
  • Adam M. Scalese, PhD, psychologist
  • Sarah E. Swanson, MA, doctoral student, counseling psychology — University of Massachusettes Boston

Former Lab Members at BYU

  • Graduate: Samuel Major
  • Undergraduate: Brandon Gardenhire, Tanisha Reynolds, David Sardoncillo

Selected Recent Publications

Ripplinger, J. C., Beacher, M. E., Scalese, A. M., Fisher, A. R., Spjut, K., Griner, D., Worthen, V. E., Jackson, A. P., Hansen, K. S. W., Myers, E., Roberts, A. F., & Swanson, S. E. (2024). Acceptance and commitment therapy group for problematic sexual behavior: Treatment principles and participant experiences. Sexual Health & Compulsivity, 31, 59–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/26929953.2024.2303652

Lebow, J. L., Fisher, A. R., & Swanson, S. E. (2023). Couple theory in psychotherapy. In F. T. L. Long, J. L. Callahan, J. Zimmerman, M. J. Constantino, & C. F. Eubanks (Eds.), APA handbook of psychotherapy (pp. 191–206). American Psychological Association.

Scalese, A. M., Worthen, V. E., Ripplinger, J. C., Gleave, R. L., Beecher, M. E., Griner, D., Jackson, A. P., Fischer, L., Wood, D. S., Hansen, K. S. W., Fisher, A. R., Caldwell, Y. H. W., & Hannan, C. R. (2023). Processes and outcomes of pornography addiction support groups. Sexual Health & Compulsivity, 30, 81–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/26929953.2022.2161027

He, Y., Fisher, A. R., Swanson, S. E., & Lebow, J. L. (2022). Integrative systemic therapy: Integrating individual, couple, and family therapy. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1473

Fisher, A. R. (2018). [Review of the book Dynamics of infidelity: Applying relationship science to psychotherapy practice, by L. Josephs]. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 44, 557–558. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12327

Hardy, N. R., & Fisher, A. R. (2018). Attachment versus differentiation: The contemporary couple therapy debate. Family Process, 57, 557–571. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12343 (TOP 20 Most Read Paper in Family Process, 2017–2018)