About

Karen Dobkins, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology at UCSD. Her professional roles include being a Day Care Designer and a Mindfulness Advisor. The information provided highlights her involvement in mindfulness workshops and her focus on mental well-being, relationships, and sex, as well as her research interests in adult vision, visual development, deaf studies, autism studies, Alzheimer's, breast milk studies, and related fields. Her work emphasizes the integration of mindfulness practices and psychological research to enhance well-being and developmental understanding.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Sociology
• Clinical psychology
• Political Science
• Pedagogy
• Statistics
• Social psychology
• Public relations
• Medical education
• Physical therapy
• Developmental psychology

Selected publications

• Investigating the Link Between Interoceptive Sensibility, Loneliness, and Well-Being

  Open MIND · 2026-02-04

  otherOpen accessSenior author

  This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between interoceptive sensibility (measured with the MAIA-2), loneliness, and well-being. This research has the following aims: (1) to determine the association between body trust—a facet of interoceptive sensibility—and loneliness, and (2) to investigate the robustness of this association by examining the unique contribution of body trust to loneliness after accounting for established predictors (e.g., depression, alexithymia, social anxiety) and the remaining interoceptive sensibility facets; and (3) to explore the associations between interoceptive sensibility and other variables related psychological and sexual well-being.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Mindful Exploration of the Vulva Through the Mirror Exercise Increases Genital Self-Image in College Students

  Mindfulness · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Objectives The mirror exercise, an intervention instructing women to mindfully self-observe their vulva, has been shown to improve sexual functioning in clinical populations when couched within larger interventions. The current study examined the efficacy of this exercise in isolation in a non-clinical population (college students), as well as the role of mindfulness in predicting intervention benefits. Method Participants ( n = 415; after exclusion criteria) were undergraduates who self-reported having a vulva. They were randomly assigned to the vulva mirror exercise or a control condition (foot exercise), then divided by whether mindfulness instructions were present vs. absent (four total conditions: two exercise types x two mindfulness instructions). Before and after the intervention, participants completed online questionnaires measuring vulva self-image (VSI) and state mindfulness, the latter consisting of retrospective reports about mindfulness experienced during the exercise. Results Participants in the vulva condition showed larger improvements in vulva self-image than participants in the foot condition ( β = 0.06, p = 0.025), and significant increases in VSI pre- vs. post-intervention ( d = 0.25, p < 0.001). Although there was not a significant effect of mindfulness instructions on vulva self-image at the group level, at the individual level, participants who reported being more mindful during the exercise showed larger benefits from the vulva mirror intervention ( β = 0.11, p = 0.003). Conclusions Our findings provide preliminary efficacy of the vulva mirror exercise on improving vulva self-image among healthy young adults and highlight the importance of cultivating a mindful, non-reactive stance while engaging in this exercise. Preregistration The study design, hypotheses, and analyses were preregistered on the Open Science Framework (OSF): https://osf.io/f948t/ .

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Effect of Accuracy and Perceived Similarity in Preferences on Relationship Satisfaction

  OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints) · 2026-04-06

  otherSenior author
  Publisher

• State Four Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire

  PsycTESTS Dataset · 2026-01-01

  datasetSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• The Effect of Accuracy and Perceived Similarity in Ideal Friend Preferences on Friendship Satisfaction

  Open MIND · 2026-01-01

  otherOpen accessSenior author

  Prior research in our lab using Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs) found that one’s perceived similarity in ideal partner preferences (i.e., traits and values one desires in a romantic partner) was positively related to one’s own romantic relationship satisfaction (β = 0.32, p < .001). In contrast, accuracy about one’s partner’s preferences (β = 0.07, p = .299) and actual similarity in preferences (β = 0.08, p = .231) were not significantly related to relationship satisfaction (North & Dobkins, in preparation). Although accuracy was not directly associated with satisfaction, exploratory analyses suggested that similarity partners’ accuracy levels may relate to relationship satisfaction. Specifically, individuals reporting higher relationship satisfaction appeared to show greater similarity in accuracy levels compared to those reporting lower satisfaction; however, this pattern was based on a small sample size and requires further empirical examination. Additionally, no significant partner effects were observed for perceived similarity or accuracy. The present study aims to extend this line of research by examining whether similar processes operate in a different relational context: close friendships. Prior work in our lab (North & Dobkins, in preparation) and in the broader literature has primarily examined perceived similarity and accuracy as predictors of relationship satisfaction among romantic couples (e.g., Sened et al., 2017; Tissera et al., 2023; Rentzsch et al., 2022), but there is evidence suggesting that these constructs may also be relevant in friendships. For example, perceiving similarity in personality traits is associated with greater friendship closeness (Selfhout et al., 2009), and greater accuracy in perceiving a friend’s motives and personality traits has been linked to higher friendship quality (Huelsnitz et al., 2020). Because friendship satisfaction is itself a robust predictor of well-being and life satisfaction (Demir & Weitekamp, 2007; Kaufman et al., 2022), it’s important to understand the interpersonal (e.g., accuracy) and intrapersonal (e.g., perceived similarity) processes that predict friendship satisfaction. Although previous studies have examined how similarity in personality traits predicts relationship outcomes (e.g., Linden-Anderson et al., 2009), relatively little research has investigated whether knowledge of a friend’s ideal friendship preferences (i.e., traits and values one desires a friend) and perceived similarity in ideal friendship preferences predicts relationship outcomes. The present study addresses this gap by examining whether (a) accuracy about a friend’s ideal friendship preferences and (b) perceived similarity in ideal friendship preferences is associated with friendship satisfaction. Preliminary data collected at UCLA suggests that perceived similarity in ideal friendship preferences is positively associated with friendship satisfaction (β = 0.28, p < .001). Since the preliminary data was collected among individual participants, the present study aims to test the robustness of this effect in a dyadic design while controlling for other factors. Additionally, by recruiting friend dyads, we will be able to examine multiple areas of correspondence (e.g., accuracy and perceived similarity), and evaluate both actor and partner effects. Although ideal preferences in romantic and friendship relationships are not identical, there is evidence of overlap in the qualities individuals desire in close others (Apostolou & Vesta, 2022). For example, individuals report desiring similar preferences for a sense of humor in friends and romantic partners (Sprecher & Regan, 2002). However, domains more relevant to romantic relationships (e.g., social status, earning potential, physical attractiveness) tended to have higher preference levels for romantic partners. To capture friendship preferences while allowing for comparisons to our previous work on preferences in romantic partners, we will use an adapted version of the Mate Preference Scale (MPQ15; Conroy-Beam et al., 2022), modified to assess ideal friendship preferences. This study will employ a cross-sectional dyadic design in which participants complete measures of their own ideal friendship preferences, their perceptions of their friend’s preferences, and friendship satisfaction. The independent variables are perceived similarity and accuracy in ideal friend preferences, and the dependent variable is friendship satisfaction. Data will be analyzed using Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs) to estimate both actor and partner effects. In addition, several potential covariates will be evaluated for inclusion in the models, and results will be reported both with and without covariates.

  PublisherDOI

• Testing the effectiveness of an intervention that aligns circadian rhythm with daily activities on student flourishing

  Open MIND · 2026-01-01

  otherOpen accessSenior author

  Previous research has examined whether tracking circadian rhythm improves well-being, with some evidence suggesting that aligning daily activities with one’s natural chronotype (an individual’s natural preference for being alert and asleep), enhances well-being and productivity. However, there remains a need for more randomized, intervention-based studies that test behavioral alignment tools, and evaluate their effects on various aspects of well-being. Here, we aim to investigate whether an active intervention, involving the use of a circadian rhythm-tracking app that provides personalized recommendations over 5-6 weeks, improves students’ flourishing. We hypothesize that students randomly assigned to the intervention condition (using the app) will show greater improvements in well-being compared to those in the control condition.

  PublisherDOI

• Development and Initial Validation of the State Four Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire

  Assessment · 2025-03-31 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  The current research aimed to provide initial psychometric validation of a new multifaceted mindfulness questionnaire (referred to as the State Four Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, or the "state-4FMQ" for short) adapted from the commonly used Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (referred to as the "trait-FFMQ"). The research was divided into two pre-registered studies. In both, undergraduates partook in a 20-minute mindfulness meditation (via audio recording), and then answered questions, including the state-4FMQ, pertaining to their experience during the meditation. In Study 2, participants additionally partook in a 20-minute control condition. The state-4FMQ was developed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA; Study 1) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; Study 2). In Study 2, a short-form of the state-4FMQ was established, and several additional forms of measurement validity were tested. EFA and CFA results supported a four-factor structure, which was identical to the trait-FFMQ with the exclusion of Nonreactivity. This newly created state-4FMQ, and its short-form, showed good internal consistency as well as convergent, predictive, and construct validity. In addition, it was found that some facets, more than others, predicted momentary well-being. The validity of the state-4FMQ shows that it can be used to measure multiple facets of state mindfulness across a variety of situations.

  PublisherDOI

• Hugging a new acquaintance increases Social Interest

  Social Influence · 2025-10-27

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Decades of research show that social touch enhances interpersonal connection, from increasing relationship satisfaction to fostering prosociality among strangers. We tested whether a simple hug could increase Social Interest between strangers. Experimenters approached people on campus and invited them to join a study on touch. If they agreed, they were randomly assigned to either receive a hug or not. Afterward, the experimenter invited them to view vacation photos, with viewing time and number of photos serving as measures of Social Interest. Among 330 participants, those who received a hug showed greater Social Interest, and the more they liked the hug, the stronger the effect. Hugs between new acquaintances may promote connection.

  PublisherDOI

• Going Deeper: Development and Validation of a Multidimensional DEEP Connection to Nature Scale

  Sustainability · 2025-06-20

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  This study develops and provides psychometric validity of a new multidimensional measure of connection to nature (CTN)—the DEEP Connection to Nature Scale. Addressing limitations of existing scales, the new scale attempts to emphasize self-integration with nature while capturing the three commonly accepted aspects of connection to nature—Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral. Using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses across a sample of 1152 and 657 adults, respectively, a four-factor structure was validated: Depth of identity, Emotional connection, Experiential connection, and Presence within nature. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency, convergent validity with existing CTN measures, and predictive validity for pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Notably, the DEEP CTN Scale explained more variance in PEB (30%) compared to two widely used unidimensional measures. Specifically, people who are high Emotional connection and high Presence within nature report more PEB. These relationships remain robust when controlling for relevant covariates. As a point of comparison, predictive validity was conducted with a composite score of psychological well-being. People who are high in Presence within nature and low in Emotional connection report higher well-being. In sum, the DEEP CTN scale is a psychometrically sound, theory-driven measure that addresses key limitations of previous scales. As such, we hope it offers researchers and practitioners a tool to better understand and cultivate meaningful connections with nature.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Effect of Perceived Similarity and Accuracy in Ideal Partner Preferences on Relationship Satisfaction

  Open MIND · 2025-01-01

  otherOpen accessSenior author

  Building on prior research and previous findings in the lab—where we observed discrepancies between women’s stated preferences and men’s assumptions about them—this study investigates whether knowledge of a partner’s mate preferences (the traits and values one desires in a mate) predicts relationship satisfaction among heterosexual couples. In addition to asking whether accuracy affects relationship satisfaction, we also investigate whether perceived similarity in preferences predicts relationship satisfaction. Prior work suggests that accurately perceiving a partner’s thoughts and feelings (termed empathic accuracy), personality traits, or experiences, is linked to greater relationship satisfaction (Cohen et al., 2012; Luo & Snider, 2009; Sened et al., 2017; Tissera et al., 2023). Also, perceiving shared values or viewing situations similarly to one’s partner predicts relationship satisfaction (Belic et al., 2022; Rentzsch et al., 2022). Thus, the degree of accuracy and perceived similarity may play a critical role in relationship satisfaction—a variable that is itself a robust predictor of subjective well-being and overall life satisfaction (Proulx et al., 2007; Whitton et al., 2014). While many previous studies have asked about how similarity in personality traits predicts relationship outcomes, relatively little research has explored whether knowledge of partner’s mate preferences and perceived similarity in these mate preferences predicts relationship outcomes, which is the focus of the current study. For the remainder of this pre-registration, we use the term “characteristics” to refer to a combination of traits and values, and we use the term “preferences” to refer to the level at which one would like their ideal partner to possess each of the characteristics. In our previous pilot study (N = 176; 88 dyads) using an APIM, actor effects showed that perceiving greater similarity in preferences was significantly associated with higher relationship satisfaction (IMS; Rusbult et al., 1998) for both men (β = 0.226, p = .027) and women (β = 0.227, p = .03). There were no significant partner effects for perceived similarity in preferences, and no significant actor or partner effects were observed for accuracy about partner preferences on satisfaction (p > .05). Further, when covariates that affect relationship satisfaction (such as avoidance) were included, the actor effect of women’s perceived similarity on women’s relationship satisfaction remained significant (β = 0.18, p = .049), but the corresponding actor effect for men disappeared (β = 0.131, p = .145). The current study aims to replicate these findings, with the main difference being which covariates were included and the use of a standardized mate preference scale (MVQ15; Conroy-Beam et al., 2022). To test this, we will employ a cross-sectional dyadic study design. The independent variables are accuracy and perceived similarity in mate preferences. The dependent variable is relationship satisfaction. We will use an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to measure actor and partner effects. We will include a variety of covariates and report results with and without the covariates.

  Publisher

Recent grants

• NIH Grant R29EY012153

  NIH · $489k · 2004

• Impact of Deafness and Language Experience on Visual Development

  NIH · $1.6M · 2015–2021

• NIH Grant R01NS071580

  NIH · $1.2M · 2014

• NIH Grant R01EY019035

  NIH · $1.9M · 2014

• NIH Grant R01EY012153

  NIH · $1.4M · 2009

Frequent coauthors

• Rain G. Bosworth

  Rochester Institute of Technology

  25 shared

• Leslie J. Carver

  University of California, San Diego

  16 shared

• Thomas D. Albright

  15 shared

• Rebecca Landa

  Cohort (United Kingdom)

  14 shared

• Geert W. Schmid‐Schönbein

  La Jolla Bioengineering Institute

  10 shared

• Wendy L. Stone

  Cohort (United Kingdom)

  9 shared

• Ione Fine

  9 shared

• Susan E. Bryson

  Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre

  9 shared