Dr. Sylvia L. Mikucki-Enyart studies interpersonal and family communication. Broadly, her work examines how relational partners and families communicate during times of transition—both normative (e.g., transition to in-law bonds) and non-normative (e.g., late-life parental divorce and stepfamily formation). More specifically, Dr. Mikucki-Enyart’s work examines how experiences of relational uncertainty influence interaction goals (one’s own and perceptions of others), which in turn shape message production and message processing as well as relational perceptions.

Her current research examines uncertainty/information management, including message features that are associated with successful uncertainty management and positive relational outcomes, within in-law relationships, adult stepfamilies, and emerging adult’s conversations surrounding infidelity and sexual pleasure.

Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Huffington Post, Real Simple magazine, and she’s been a guest on Talk of Iowa on Iowa Public Radio.

Sylvia Mikucki-Enyart CV