Learn more about Dr. Young

Valerie Young has a passion for learning and teaching about communication in relationships of all kinds – family, friends, and romantic relationships. She conducts research about health behaviors and romantic relationship communication. Her research collaborators include Hanover College students and faculty from different areas of the US and beyond. Her love for teaching (and some funny class examples) spurs from being a naturally bossy and organized person. Just ask her two sons! She blends her research and teaching interests together when teaching classes such as research methodology, health communication, interpersonal communication, and organizational communication.

Valerie and her family enjoy spending time outdoors with friends, attending music festivals and community events, traveling to new places, and hosting international high school exchange students.

Education

B.S., South Dakota State University

M.S., South Dakota State University

Ph.D., University of Arizona

Publications

Young, V. J. & Curran, M. A. (2024).Intimacy behaviors and relationship satisfaction for cohabitors. In A. Rokach (Ed.), The intricacies of love and intimacy. London: Routledge doi: 10.4324/9781003500575-7

Curran, M. A., Young, V. J., Akçabozan Kayabol, B., & Totenhagen, C. J. (2023). A systematic review of relationship sacrifices from 2002 to 2021: Moving toward inclusivity. Personal Relationships, 30(1), 76-112. http://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12451

Burke, T. J., Young, V. J., & Duggan, A. (2022). Recognizing the blurred boundary between health-related support and control in close relationships. Personal Relationships, 29(4), 644-673 http://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12445

Young, V.J. & DeGroot, J. A. (2021). Topic avoidance as a boundary management strategy in communication with a mother-in-law, Family Relations, 70(2), 408-421. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12409

Young, V. J., & Burke, T. J., & Curran, M. A. (2019). Interpersonal effects of health-related social control: Positive and negative influence, partner health transformations, and relationship quality. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36 (11-12), 3986-4004.  https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407519846565