Kenneth Tan

Dr. Kenneth Tan is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University. He holds a PhD from Purdue University (2016), an MA from the National University of Singapore (2012), and a BS from the National University of Singapore (2009). His research focuses on social-personality psychology with emphasis on cognition, emotion, motivation, and behavior in interpersonal relationships.

Research interests center on commitment dynamics, relationship receptivity, singlehood, and relationship dissolution. His work examines how individuals overcome emotional challenges to foster positive relationships and enhance wellbeing. Key themes include interdependence, self-regulation, and cultural influences on relational behavior.

Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on dyadic relationships (2022-2025), exploring psychological well-being, marital satisfaction, evolutionary mating strategies, and cross-cultural validity of relationship science. Studies frequently employ longitudinal designs and dyadic analysis to examine real-world couple interactions.

Awards include the

• Singapore Ministry of Education Early Career Award

Advisees include doctoral and master's students:

• Tan Kai Lin
• Lynn Ho
• Zongyou
• Daniel Yang YingJia
• Swedha Saravanan
• Janice Patricia

Leads research initiatives examining relational commitment through laboratory experiments and field studies across diverse cultural contexts.