Karen Fingerman has conducted research and published over 100 papers and chapters regarding parents and children, in-law ties, romantic partners, grandparents and grandchildren, friends, and peripheral social ties. Her current NIA funded studies include: The Family Exchanges Study, a longitudinal study involving middle-aged adults, their romantic partners, grown children and aging parents and The Daily Experiences Study, examining older adults' social relationships, and daily emotional, cognitive and physical activity using ecologically valid methodologies.