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My research centers on how individual differences are activated and communicated, focusing on how personality, identity, and communication processes shape relational, health, and professional outcomes. Much of my work examines how Dark Triad personality traits are expressed in close relationships, and how they shape relational well-being, including in technology-mediated environments such as social media and digital platforms. I also investigate how STEM professionals can improve communication outcomes, and how STEM identities are developed and expressed. Methodologically, I utilize quantitative and computational approaches, including multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM), cross-lagged panel modeling (CLPM), and the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), to capture the complex, interdependent nature of interpersonal processes across time and contexts.
Publications
Manipulation in Close Relationships: A Meta-Analytic Review
Turner, M. M. (2026)
Personality and Individual Differences
This multilevel meta-analysis of 16 studies (53 effect sizes; N = 10,874) found that manipulative tendencies are consistently linked to lower relational quality, regardless of how manipulation is conceptualized or measured.
Does Intimacy Buffer or Account for the Association Between Attachment (In)Security and Sexual Self-Disclosure?: A Test of Competing Models
Turner, M. M., & Denes, A. (in press)
Western Journal of Communication
Testing competing models, this study found that emotional intimacy mediates rather than moderates links between attachment insecurity and sexual self-disclosure, highlighting intimacy’s role in shaping disclosure.
The Dyadic Role of Attachment in the Relational Maintenance of Cohabitating Couples During COVID-19
Turner, M. M., Denes, A., & Cornelius, T. (2025)
Communication Quarterly
Using dyadic data, this study showed that avoidant attachment predicted lower use of relational maintenance behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic for both partners, underscoring attachment’s role in stress-related relationship dynamics.
Cultivating Authenticity as Role Models: Women in STEM Influencers on Instagram
Steinke, J., Baumel, K., & Turner, M. M. (2024)
Science Communication
Analyzing 614 posts from women in STEM influencers, this study identified how authenticity and expertise enhance their effectiveness as role models and communicators within social media spaces.
Examining the Importance of Developing Entrepreneurial Communication Skills in Accelerator Programs: A Focus Group Based Approach
McGloin, R., Saxton, A., Rao, A., Hintz, E., Coletti, A., Hamlin, E., Turner, M., & Mathieu, J. (2023)
Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy
Through focus groups with entrepreneurs, this study identified key communication skills—confidence, adaptability, and empathetic listening—as essential for entrepreneurial success in accelerator programs.
Examining Oral Communication Skills in Communication Training Programs for STEM Professionals: A Systematic Quantitative Literature Review
Coletti, A., McGloin, R., Embacher-Martin, K., Hamlin, E., & Turner, M. (2023)
Science Communication
This review found that communication training programs for STEM professionals improve oral skills overall but often lack theoretical grounding and validated assessment methods.
Just Text Me: Investigating the Effects of Computer-Mediated Social Support on Mental Health Outcomes Among Millennial and Generation Z Populations
Suwinyattichaiporn, T., & Turner, M. (2020)
Kentucky Journal of Communication
Surveying over 3,700 participants, this study found that text-based social support buffers stress and depression while reducing social isolation and suicidal ideation among Millennials and Gen Z.
Book Chapters and Other Publications
Covert Control: How Political Influencers Use Manipulation on Social Media
Turner, M. M., & Holland-Levin, S. (September 2025)
The Inquisitive Mind
This magazine article explains how political influencers employ subtle manipulation tactics to gain trust and shape public opinion in digital spaces.
From Genes to Gestures: Uncovering Biological Threads in Communication Accommodation
Dhillon, A., Denes, A., & Turner, M. M. (2025)
Peter Lang
This chapter, in New Directions for, and Panaceas Arising from, Communication Accommodation Theory, explores the biological underpinnings of communication accommodation, highlighting how hormones like oxytocin, testosterone, and cortisol may influence conversational alignment.
Selected Research in Progress
Turner, M. M. & Denes, A. (data analysis). Relational and disclosure contexts in predicting sexual satisfaction: An expansion of the CMSSDS.
Denes, A. Clark, A. N., Inman, N., Turner, M. M., Sumsion, E., & Lefkowitz, E. S., (writing in progress). LGBTQ+ youths’ singlehood experiences: Exploring associations among voluntary singlehood, resilient coping, satisfaction with being single, and loneliness.
Stifano, S. & Turner, M. M. (data collection). Pedagogy training for instructors: Developing a community of pedagogical practice.
Uzar, L., Stifano, S. & Turner, M. M. (data collection). Attention and retention: How split-screen videos affect emotional responses and information retention.
Turner, M. M. (in preparation). Analyzing interpersonal data with the actor-partner interaction model (APIM). In M. Hamilton (Ed.), Handbook of research methods in communication studies. Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
Turner, M. M. (in preparation). “Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss”: How algorithms shape face-to-face conversations.
2025 Conference Activity
Turner, M. M. (2025, November). Politeness theory and Inconsistent Nurturing as Control theory: A novel approach to manipulation in interpersonal relationships [Presentation]. To be presented at the National Communication Association, Denver, CO.
Turner, M. M. (2025, November). Manipulation in close relationships: A meta-analytic review [Presentation]. To be presented at the National Communication Association, Denver, CO.
Turner, M. M., & Denes, A. (2025, November). Does intimacy buffer or account for the association between attachment (in)security and sexual self-disclosure?: A test of competing models [Presentation]. To be presented at the National Communication Association, Denver, CO.
Turner, M. M. (2024, November). Beyond prosocial: Proposing a model of manipulative maintenance [Presentation]. National Communication Association, New Orleans, LA.
Turner, M. M., Denes, A., & Cornelius, T. (2024, November). The dyadic role of attachment in the relational maintenance of cohabitating couples during COVID-19 [Presentation]. National Communication Association, New Orleans, LA.
Lachlan, K., Turner, M. M., & Noble, D. (2024, June). NIL and personal branding through social media: An examination of benefits and barriers among American college athletes [Presentation]. International Communication Association, Gold Coast, AU.
Research Assistantships
Media and Marketing Assistant: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Fall 2024-Spring 2026)
University of Connecticut
Manages CEE, ACMC, and Crumbling Concrete websites and social media.
Creates and edits images and multimedia for research manuscripts and publications; created Annual Report for 2024-2025
Assists in the organizing, website management, and marketing of the 2nd Annual ICISR conference to be held May 2026
Interpersonal Interaction Lab: Sexual Communication (Fall 2024-Spring 2025)
University of Connecticut
Manages data collection for Sexual Self-Disclosure (SSD) Biosocial Study in the lab.
Trains undergraduate RAs in saliva collection and other lab procedures.
Tracks lab inventory, manages lab scheduling/email system, makes in-class recruitment announcements.
Werth Institute: College Athletes & Name Image Likeness (NIL) (Fall 2023-Spring 2024)
University of Connecticut
Collected and analyzed focus group data from college athletes regarding their NIL experiences.
Highlighted varied experiences of women athletes, challenges faced by student athletes.
Women In STEM Influencers on Instagram (Summer 2023)
University of Connecticut
Analyzed posts from women in STEM influencers on Instagram.
Researched and analyzed impact of women in STEM influencers and adolescent girls’ interest in future STEM careers.
Interracial Couple Relational and Sexual Communication Research (Spring 2021)
California State University, Fullerton
Led interviews with interracial/intercultural couples regarding their sexual communication.
Researched and input measures of sex communication and interracial communication.
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