📚 Research Resources

UBConnected2

Complete Bibliography & Further Reading

The science behind meaningful human connection

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About These Resources

UBConnected2 is built on decades of rigorous research in relationship science, social psychology, and vulnerability studies. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 10 connection dimensions and 28 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.

Primary Framework Sources

The foundational research upon which UBConnected2's 10 dimensions are built:

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Core Relationship & Connection Science

Essential texts from the leaders of relationship psychology and connection research:

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The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples

John Gottman, Ph.D.

2011 • W.W. Norton & Company

Gottman's comprehensive look at how trust is built and betrayed in relationships. Introduces the "trust metric" and "sliding door" moments that determine relationship trajectories.

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Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone

Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW

2017 • Random House

Brown explores the paradox that true belonging requires standing alone. Distinguishes between "fitting in" (changing to be accepted) and "belonging" (being accepted as you are).

Relevance to UBConnected2: Directly informs the Belonging and Community dimensions, providing the theoretical foundation for authentic community participation.
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Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

Sue Johnson, Ed.D.

2008 • Little, Brown Spark

The creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) presents seven transforming conversations that help couples create and maintain lasting bonds based on attachment theory.

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The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW

2010 • Hazelden Publishing

Brown's guide to wholehearted living, exploring the ten guideposts for cultivating authenticity, self-compassion, and resilience.

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Applied Connection & Communication

Research-based books that translate science into daily connection practice:

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Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life

Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.

2015 (3rd Edition) • PuddleDancer Press

Rosenberg's groundbreaking approach to communication that emphasizes empathy, honest expression, and meeting needs. A practical guide to connecting compassionately.

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The Relationship Cure: A 5-Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships

John Gottman, Ph.D. & Joan DeClaire

2001 • Harmony

Gottman's practical guide to understanding and responding to "bids for connection"—the fundamental building blocks of all relationships.

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Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love

Amir Levine, M.D. & Rachel Heller, M.A.

2010 • TarcherPerigee

Applies attachment theory to adult relationships, helping readers understand their attachment style and how it affects their relationships.

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Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect

Matthew D. Lieberman, Ph.D.

2013 • Crown

Neuroscientist Lieberman reveals how our need for connection is as fundamental as our need for food and water, and how our brains are built for social interaction.

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Key Academic Papers

Peer-reviewed research underlying UBConnected2's evidence-based approach:

What Predicts Divorce? The Relationship Between Marital Processes and Marital Outcomes

Gottman, J. M., & Levenson, R. W. (1992). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63(2), 221-233.

The foundational paper demonstrating that specific interaction patterns (the "Four Horsemen") predict relationship dissolution with high accuracy—research behind the Conflict Resolution dimension.

The Relationship Between Trust and Interest in Commercial Relationships

Gottman, J. M. (2011). Adapted from The Science of Trust, W.W. Norton.

Research on how trust is built through small "sliding door" moments—the research behind the Trust Building dimension.

Shame Resilience Theory: A Grounded Theory Study on Women and Shame

Brown, B. (2006). Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 87(1), 43-52.

Brown's original research on shame and its role in preventing connection—foundational for the Vulnerability dimension.

The Power of Vulnerability

Brown, B. (2010). TEDxHouston. One of the top five most-viewed TED talks in history.

Brown's landmark talk that brought vulnerability research into mainstream consciousness, demonstrating that vulnerability is the birthplace of connection.

Very Happy People

Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Psychological Science, 13(1), 81-84.

Research identifying that the happiest people are distinguished not by wealth or achievement but by their rich and satisfying social relationships—supporting the entire UBConnected2 framework.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development: Lessons from 85 Years of Research

Waldinger, R. J., & Schulz, M. S. (2023). The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. Simon & Schuster. Based on longitudinal research begun in 1938.

The world's longest study of human happiness reveals that close relationships—not wealth, fame, or achievement—are the #1 predictor of wellbeing, health, and longevity. "Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period." This research validates every dimension in UBConnected2.

🎓 Want to Go Deeper? Use Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.

Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.

Use Google Scholar when you want to:

  • Read the original research studies (not just summaries in popular books)
  • Find the latest academic papers on relationship science and connection
  • Explore citations to discover related research
  • Access free PDF versions of many papers
  • Verify claims made in popular books

Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.

🔍 Search Google Scholar for Connection Research
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Related Resources

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