Psychology postdoc explores the darker side of personal relationships

Dr. Sadeq Fallahtafti, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in the Faculty of Arts is a psychotherapist whose research studies the intricacies of romantic relationships. He co-founded and practices psychotherapy at a clinic in Iran and has played pivotal roles in national projects and clinical settings.

Fallahtafti’s research is supervised by Dr. Susan Boon, PhD, a professor in the Department of Psychology, in the Personal Relationships Lab, aka “The Love Lab” where infidelity, revenge, unforgiveness and other aspects of personal relationships are studied. The lab’s research focuses primarily on the darker side of relationships and the things that can go wrong between partners of various kinds.

When asked what drew him across the globe to research in Calgary, Fallahtafti says he had heard positive recommendations about the university and UCalgary’s reputation.

“A few of my friends had graduated from UCalgary and spoke highly of the quality of research and teaching here. Additionally, I knew Dr. Boon for several years as a scholar doing excellent research in interpersonal relationships. The chance to finally collaborate with her and contribute to this important research made UCalgary an obvious choice for my postdoctoral work.”

Fallahtafti’s postdoctoral research position would not be possible without funding through the YAS Foundation, a charitable organization that supports promising research initiatives. Founded by Rouzbeh Yassini-Fard, a technology entrepreneur and philanthropist widely known as the “father of the cable modem,” the Foundation’s mission is to build stronger bridges between seemingly disparate modern North American and ancient Persian cultures. The YAS Foundation has donated millions of dollars supporting education, medical, research and cultural grants and scholarships to universities and colleges across North America including Fallahtafti’s multi-year postdoctoral research associate role at UCalgary investigating interpersonal relationship psychology.

“The support from the YAS Foundation has been instrumental in making my postdoc position possible,” he explains. “Their generous funding has allowed me to engage in meaningful research on important social issues, expand my academic portfolio, and collaborate with experts in the field, all while contributing to the broader understanding of interpersonal relationships.”

For Boon and members of the Personal Relationships Lab, a key opportunity presented by the YAS Foundation funding is the chance to utilize Fallahtafti’s expertise in clinical psychology to examine romantic revenge and unforgiveness through a clinical lens. Given his considerable expertise in qualitative research, his contributions to ongoing research exploring how unforgiveness is communicated have been integral to the study's progress, particularly to the coding of participants' responses to interview questions about the strategies they use to express their lack of forgiveness to those who offended them. Fallahtafti’s expertise in Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) has also made it possible to explore in greater depth some of the motivations behind acts of revenge.

“Working in the Personal Relationships Lab under Dr. Boon has been an enriching experience,” says Fallahtafti. “The lab’s focus on the complexities of interpersonal dynamics, particularly the darker aspects like revenge and unforgiveness, aligns well with my interests and expertise. Collaborating with Dr. Boon and my colleagues has provided me with valuable opportunities to contribute to meaningful research while expanding my skills in both leadership and mentorship.” 

Fallahtafti has been immersed in numerous research projects during his time as a postdoctoral associate.

“In collaboration with Dr. Boon, I’m investigating the link between some variables including belief in love myths and EMSs, and the tendency for revenge in romantic relationships,” he says. “My role focuses on integrating clinical insights to explore how deeply ingrained emotional patterns, such as punitiveness and subjugation, may influence vengeful behaviors. The study also seeks to understand how unrealistic beliefs about love can lead to destructive outcomes in relationships.”

“Additionally, I have been involved in coding interviews for a study which explores how people communicate unforgiveness in close relationships. Drawing on my clinical and qualitative research background, I contributed to analyzing various ways people express unforgiveness, whether verbally or nonverbally, and the role of third parties in these situations. This experience has been valuable, offering insights into the complexities of unforgiveness and the growing role of technology in communication.”

Reflecting on his time working in the Personal Relationships Lab, Fallahtafti says the opportunity has been highly rewarding.

“My postdoctoral experience at UCalgary has been incredibly beneficial,” he says. “The psychology community is welcoming and intellectually stimulating, offering ample opportunities for collaboration and growth. Working on significant studies under Dr. Boon's supervision has enriched my understanding of the complexities of interpersonal relationships and provided me with the skills necessary to advance my academic career.”