A major focus of Dr. Whisman's research is on the role of intimate relationships such as marriage on the onset, course, severity, and treatment of psychopathology, with a particular emphasis on depression. In addition, he studies the association between intimate relationship functioning and physical health and well-being. He is also interested in the efficacy of couple-based interventions in the prevention and treatment of mental and physical health problems. Another major focus of Dr. Whisman's research is on cognitive theory, particularly rumination, and cognitive therapy of depression..