Laura Stafford

Laura Stafford, Ph.D. is a Professor in the School of Media & Communication at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). She previously served as Director of the School from 2013 to 2022. Her expertise lies in interpersonal communication, with a focus on relational maintenance, long-distance relationships, and marital dynamics. Dr. Stafford has held leadership roles, including past chair of the Interpersonal Divisions of the National Communication Association and International Communication Association, and has editorial experience with journals like Journal of Applied Communication Research and Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Texas at Austin
• M.A. in Communication from the University of Texas at Austin

Research & Teaching:

Dr. Stafford’s work examines interpersonal communication challenges such as relational turbulence, depressive symptoms in marital contexts, and the 'dark side' of relationships. She teaches courses including Interpersonal Communication, Relational Communication, and Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication. Her research emphasizes practical applications of communication theory to improve relational well-being.

Publications:

Her recent articles investigate mental health in marital relationships, reflecting a trend toward understanding psychological dimensions within interpersonal dynamics. Key themes include postnuptial depression and the impact of relational instability on emotional health.

Labs/Teams:

While no specific labs are noted, her research aligns with broader interdisciplinary efforts in communication studies and family dynamics at BGSU.