149 - Jenna Wells: How Micro-Moments of Connection Shape Health and Happiness

This week, Enna chats with Dr. Jenna Wells, a professor in the Department of Psychology at Cornell University. Jenna’s research examines how emotion in close relationships contributes to mental and physical health over the life course, with a focus on late life. She is particularly interested in positive interpersonal processes and their associations with long-term health and well-being in individuals and dyads.
In our conversation, Jenna shares her journey from aspiring therapist to emotion researcher, the story behind how she began to study positivity resonance, and what we can all do to navigate conflict with warmth and cultivate more emotional connection in our lives.

Jenna’s Website: psychology.cornell.edu/jenna-wells
Jenna’s Twitter: @JennaLWells (x.com/JennaLWells)
Jenna’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennalwells
Jenna’s Paper: doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000385

Enna’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ennayuxuanchen
Enna’s Twitter: @EnnaYuxuanChen (x.com/ennayuxuanchen)

Podcast Contact: stanfordpsychpodcast@gmail.com
Podcast Twitter: @StanfordPsyPod (x.com/StanfordPsyPod)
Podcast Substack: stanfordpsypod.substack.com
Podcast Contact: stanfordpsychpodcast@gmail.com