Selected Publications
Full-texts of peer-reviewed articles can be found at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Xiaomeng_Xu/
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
Finkelstein, S., Xu, X.*, & Connell, P.M.* (2019). When variety is not the spice of life: The influence of perceived relational self-threat on variety seeking in snack choices. Appetite, 136, 154-159. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2019.02.001
*These authors contributed equally to the work.
Makwana, B. & Xu, X. (2019). C3Logix Assessment of neuropsychological performance in athletes and non-athletes. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult. Online first publication. doi:10.1080/23279095.2019.1570927
Xu, X., Litchman, M.L., Gee, P., Whatcott, W., Chacon, L., Holmes, J., & Srinivasan, S.S. (2018). Predicting prediabetes through Facebook postings: Protocol for a mixed-methods study. JMIR Research Protocols, 7(12): e10720. doi:10.2196/10720
Xu, X., Tupy, S., Robertson, S., Miller, A.L., Correll, D., Tivis, R., & Nigg, C.R. (2018). Successful adherence and retention to daily monitoring of physical activity: Lessons learned. PLOS ONE, 13(9): e0199838. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199838
Riela, S., Bajoghli, H., Xu, X., Farnia, V., Golshani, S., & Shakeri, J. (2017). Falling in love and passionate love in an Iranian sample. Interpersona, 11(2). doi:10.5964/ijpr.v11i2.272
Xu, X., Schneider, M., DeSorbo-Quinn, A.L., King, A.C. , Allegrante, J.P., & Nigg, C.R. (2017). Successful distance mentoring of health researchers: Three case studies from across the career-development trajectory. Health Psychology Open, 4(2). doi:10.1177/2055102917734388
Naparstek, J., Wing, R.R., Xu, X., & Leahey, T.M. (2017). Internet-delivered obesity treatment improves symptoms of and risk for depression. Obesity, 25, 671-675. doi:10.1002/oby.21773
Xu, X., Leahey, T.M., Boguszewski, K., Krupel, K., Kent, K.A., & Wing, R.R. (2017). Self-expansion is associated with better adherence and behavioral weight loss in adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 51, 13-17. doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9823-7
Tart-Zelvin, A., & Xu, X. (2016). Sexuality research within neuroimaging: A review of progress toward greater gender equality and sex positivity. Journal of Positive Sexuality, 2, 27-31.
Xu, X., Kauer, S., & Tupy, S. (2016). Multiple-choice questions: Tips for optimizing assessment in-seat and online. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 2, 147-158.
Fisher, H., Xu, X., Aron, A., & Brown, L. L. (2016). Intense, passionate romantic love: A natural addiction? How the fields that investigate romance and substance abuse can inform each other. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 687. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00687
Tupy, S., Schumann, M., & Xu, X. (2015). Sexual activity and older adults: Stigma, overall health, and research. Journal of Positive Sexuality, 1, 50-55.
Strohacker, K., Fazzino, D., Breslin, W.L., & Xu, X. (2015). The use of periodization in exercise prescriptions for inactive adults: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine Reports, 2, 385-396. doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.04.023
Greenstein, M., & Xu, X. (2015). My mug is valuable but my partner’s is even more so: Economic decisions for close others. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 37, 174-187. doi:10.1080/01973533.2015.1049347
Leahey, T.M., Doyle, C.Y., Xu, X., Bihuniak, J., & Wing, R.R. (2015). Social networks and social norms are associated with obesity treatment outcomes. Obesity, 23, 1550-1554. doi:10.1002/oby.21074
Liebel, S.W., Clark, U.S., Xu, X., Riskin-Jones, H.H., Hawkshead, B.E., Schwarz, N.F., Labbe, D., Jerskey, B.A., & Sweet, L.H. (2015) An fMRI-compatible symbol search task. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 22, 1-8.
Leahey, T.M., Subak, L., Fava, J., Schembri, M., Thomas, G., Xu, X., Krupel, K., Kent, K., Boguszewski, K., Kumar, R., Weinberg, B., & Wing, R.R. (2015). Benefits of adding small financial incentives or optional group meetings to a web-based statewide obesity initiative. Obesity, 23, 70-76. doi: 10.1002/oby.20937
Xu, X., Demos, K.E., Leahey, T.M., Hart, C., Trautvetter, J., Coward, P., Middleton, K., & Wing, R.R. (2014). Failure to replicate depletion of self-control. PLoS ONE, 9(10): e109950. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109950 PMID: 25333564
Alosco, M.L., Gunstad, J., Xu, X., Clark, U.S., Labbe, D., Riskin-Jones, H., Terrero, G., Schwarz, N.F., Walsh, E., Poppas, A., Cohen, R.A. & Sweet, L.H. (2014). The impact of hypertension on cerebral perfusion and cortical thickness in older adults. Journal of the American Society for Hypertension, 8, 561-70. doi:10.1016/j.jash.2014.04.002 PMID: 25151318 PMC4143798
Alosco, M.L., Gunstad, J., Beard, C., Xu, X., Clark, U.S., Labbe, D., Jerskey, B.A., Ladino, M., Cote, D., Walsh, E., Poppas, A., Cohen, R.A., & Sweet, L.H. (2014). The synergistic effects of anxiety and cerebral hypoperfusion on cognitive dysfunction in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 28, 57-66. PMID: 25009160 NIHMSID #626563
Xu, X., Aron, A., Westmaas, J.L., Wang, J., & Sweet, L.H. (2014). An fMRI study of nicotine-deprived smokers' reactivity to smoking cues during novel/exciting activity. PLoS ONE 9(4): e94598. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094598 PMID: 24727905 PMC3984235
Xu, X., Clark, U.S., David, S.P., Mulligan, R.C., Knopik, V.S., McGeary, J., MacKillop, J., McCaffery, J., Niaura, R., & Sweet, L.H. (2014). The effects of nicotine deprivation and replacement on BOLD-fMRI response to smoking cues as a function of DRD4 VNTR genotype. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 16(7), 939-947. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntu010 PMID: 24659022 PMC4072897
Xu, X., Jerskey, B., Cote, D., Walsh, E., Hassenstab, J., Ladino, M., Clark, U.S., Labbe, D.,Gunstad, J., Poppas, A., Cohen, R., Hoge, R., Sweet, L.H. (2014). Cerebrovascular perfusion among older adults is moderated by strength training and gender. Neuroscience Letters, 560, 26-30. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2013.12.011 PMID: 24355360 PMC3920729
Alosco, M.L., Gunstad, J., Jerskey, B.A., Xu, X., Clark, U.S., Hassenstab, J., Cote, D.M., Walsh, E., Labbe, D., Hoge, R., Cohen, R.A., & Sweet, L.H. (2013). The adverse effects of reduced cerebral perfusion on cognition and brain structure in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Brain and Behavior, 3(6), 626-636. doi:10.1002/brb3.171 PMID: 24363966 PMC3868168
Alosco, M.L., Gunstad, J., Jerskey, B.A., Clark, U.S., Hassenstab, J.J., Xu, X., Poppas, A., Cohen, R.A., & Sweet, L.H. (2013). Left atrial size is independently associated with cognitive function. International Journal of Neuroscience, 123(8), 544-552. doi:10.3109/00207454.2013.774396 PMID: 23394115 NIHMSID #626564
Leahey, T.M., Xu, X., Unick, J.L., & Wing, R.R. (2013). A preliminary investigation of the role of self-control in behavioral weight loss treatment. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 8(2), e149-e153. doi:10.1016/j.orcp.2012.12.005 PMID24743010 PMC3992479
Xu, X., Brown, L., Aron, A., Acevedo, B., Cao, G., Feng, T., & Weng, X. (2012). Regional brain activity during early-stage intense romantic love predicted relationship outcomes 40 months later. Neuroscience Letters, 526(1), 33-38. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.08.004 PMID: 22902992 [part of the 2013 Elsevier’s Valentine’s Special Monthly Research Selection]
Xu, X., Wang, J., Lei, W., Aron, A., Westmaas, L., & Weng, X. (2012). Intense passionate love attenuates cigarette cue-reactivity in nicotine-deprived smokers: An fMRI study. PLoS ONE 7(7): e42235. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042235. PMID: 22860092 PMC3409150
Darlow, S.D., & Xu, X. (2011). The influence of close others’ exercise habits and perceived social support on exercise. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 12, 575-578. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.04.004
Xu, X., Aron, A., Brown, L., Cao, G., Feng, T., & Weng, X. (2011). Reward and motivation systems: A brain mapping study of early-stage intense romantic love in Chinese participants. Human Brain Mapping, 32(2), 249-257. doi:10.1002/hbm.21017 PMID: 21229613
Jagiellowicz, J., Xu, X., Aron, A., Aron, E., Cao, G., Feng, T. & Weng, X. (2011). The trait of sensory processing sensitivity and neural responses to changes in visual scenes. Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 6(1), 38-47. doi:10.1093/scan/nsq001. PMID: 20203139 PMC3023077
Xu, X., Floyd, A.H.L., Westmaas, J.L., & Aron, A. (2010). Self-expansion and smoking abstinence. Addictive Behaviors, 35, 295-301. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2009.10.019 PMID: 19931986
Riela, S., Rodriguez, G., Aron, A., Xu, X., & Acevedo, B. P. (2010). Experiences of falling in love: Similarities and differences in culture, ethnicity, gender, and speed. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27(4), 473-493. doi:10.1177/0265407510363508
Peer-Reviewed Chapters:
Xu, X. (In press). Health and behavior change. In B.A. Mattingly, K.P. McIntyre, & G.W.Lewandowski Jr. (Eds.), Interpersonal Relationships and Self-Concept. New York: Springer.
Mozafari, A.R., & Xu, X. (In press). Intimate relationships. In F. Cheung & D. Halpern (Eds.), Cambridge International Handbook on the Psychology of Women. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Xu, X., Lewandowski, G.W., Jr., & Aron, A. (In press). The self-expansion model and relationship maintenance. In B.G. Ogolsky & J.K. Monk (Eds.), Relationship maintenance: Theory, process, and context. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Acevedo, B., Xu, X., Lewandowski, G.W., & Aron, A. (2017). Love and self-expansion. In J. Fitzgerald (Ed.), Foundations for couples' therapy: Research for the real world (pp. 245-255). New York: Routledge.
Xu, X., Lewandowski, G.W., & Aron, A. (2016). The self-expansion model and optimal relationship development. In C.R. Knee & H.T. Reis (Eds.), Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development (pp. 79-100). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Xu, X., Weng, X., & Aron, A. (2015). The mesolimbic dopamine pathway and romantic love. In A.W. Toga, M.M. Mesulam, & S. Kastner (Eds.), Brain Mapping: An Encyclopedic Reference (pp.631-635). Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier.
Invited Contributions:
Xu, X., & Tart-Zelvin, A. (2017). What goes on in our brains when we are in love? ScientificAmerican.com Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-goes-on-in-our-brains-when-we-are-in-love/
Xu, X. (2015). Get off that couch together. Bottom Line Health, 29(11), 11-13.
Xu, X. (2014). The magic formula. In L. Bormans (Ed.), The World Book of Love (pp. 332-334). Belgium: Lannoo Publishers. (Collection on the topic of love by 100 researchers from around the world).
Xu, X. (2013). How does the brain react to a romantic breakup? Scientific American Mind, 24, 76.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
Finkelstein, S., Xu, X.*, & Connell, P.M.* (2019). When variety is not the spice of life: The influence of perceived relational self-threat on variety seeking in snack choices. Appetite, 136, 154-159. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2019.02.001
*These authors contributed equally to the work.
Makwana, B. & Xu, X. (2019). C3Logix Assessment of neuropsychological performance in athletes and non-athletes. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult. Online first publication. doi:10.1080/23279095.2019.1570927
Xu, X., Litchman, M.L., Gee, P., Whatcott, W., Chacon, L., Holmes, J., & Srinivasan, S.S. (2018). Predicting prediabetes through Facebook postings: Protocol for a mixed-methods study. JMIR Research Protocols, 7(12): e10720. doi:10.2196/10720
Xu, X., Tupy, S., Robertson, S., Miller, A.L., Correll, D., Tivis, R., & Nigg, C.R. (2018). Successful adherence and retention to daily monitoring of physical activity: Lessons learned. PLOS ONE, 13(9): e0199838. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199838
Riela, S., Bajoghli, H., Xu, X., Farnia, V., Golshani, S., & Shakeri, J. (2017). Falling in love and passionate love in an Iranian sample. Interpersona, 11(2). doi:10.5964/ijpr.v11i2.272
Xu, X., Schneider, M., DeSorbo-Quinn, A.L., King, A.C. , Allegrante, J.P., & Nigg, C.R. (2017). Successful distance mentoring of health researchers: Three case studies from across the career-development trajectory. Health Psychology Open, 4(2). doi:10.1177/2055102917734388
Naparstek, J., Wing, R.R., Xu, X., & Leahey, T.M. (2017). Internet-delivered obesity treatment improves symptoms of and risk for depression. Obesity, 25, 671-675. doi:10.1002/oby.21773
Xu, X., Leahey, T.M., Boguszewski, K., Krupel, K., Kent, K.A., & Wing, R.R. (2017). Self-expansion is associated with better adherence and behavioral weight loss in adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 51, 13-17. doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9823-7
Tart-Zelvin, A., & Xu, X. (2016). Sexuality research within neuroimaging: A review of progress toward greater gender equality and sex positivity. Journal of Positive Sexuality, 2, 27-31.
Xu, X., Kauer, S., & Tupy, S. (2016). Multiple-choice questions: Tips for optimizing assessment in-seat and online. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 2, 147-158.
Fisher, H., Xu, X., Aron, A., & Brown, L. L. (2016). Intense, passionate romantic love: A natural addiction? How the fields that investigate romance and substance abuse can inform each other. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 687. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00687
Tupy, S., Schumann, M., & Xu, X. (2015). Sexual activity and older adults: Stigma, overall health, and research. Journal of Positive Sexuality, 1, 50-55.
Strohacker, K., Fazzino, D., Breslin, W.L., & Xu, X. (2015). The use of periodization in exercise prescriptions for inactive adults: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine Reports, 2, 385-396. doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.04.023
Greenstein, M., & Xu, X. (2015). My mug is valuable but my partner’s is even more so: Economic decisions for close others. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 37, 174-187. doi:10.1080/01973533.2015.1049347
Leahey, T.M., Doyle, C.Y., Xu, X., Bihuniak, J., & Wing, R.R. (2015). Social networks and social norms are associated with obesity treatment outcomes. Obesity, 23, 1550-1554. doi:10.1002/oby.21074
Liebel, S.W., Clark, U.S., Xu, X., Riskin-Jones, H.H., Hawkshead, B.E., Schwarz, N.F., Labbe, D., Jerskey, B.A., & Sweet, L.H. (2015) An fMRI-compatible symbol search task. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 22, 1-8.
Leahey, T.M., Subak, L., Fava, J., Schembri, M., Thomas, G., Xu, X., Krupel, K., Kent, K., Boguszewski, K., Kumar, R., Weinberg, B., & Wing, R.R. (2015). Benefits of adding small financial incentives or optional group meetings to a web-based statewide obesity initiative. Obesity, 23, 70-76. doi: 10.1002/oby.20937
Xu, X., Demos, K.E., Leahey, T.M., Hart, C., Trautvetter, J., Coward, P., Middleton, K., & Wing, R.R. (2014). Failure to replicate depletion of self-control. PLoS ONE, 9(10): e109950. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109950 PMID: 25333564
Alosco, M.L., Gunstad, J., Xu, X., Clark, U.S., Labbe, D., Riskin-Jones, H., Terrero, G., Schwarz, N.F., Walsh, E., Poppas, A., Cohen, R.A. & Sweet, L.H. (2014). The impact of hypertension on cerebral perfusion and cortical thickness in older adults. Journal of the American Society for Hypertension, 8, 561-70. doi:10.1016/j.jash.2014.04.002 PMID: 25151318 PMC4143798
Alosco, M.L., Gunstad, J., Beard, C., Xu, X., Clark, U.S., Labbe, D., Jerskey, B.A., Ladino, M., Cote, D., Walsh, E., Poppas, A., Cohen, R.A., & Sweet, L.H. (2014). The synergistic effects of anxiety and cerebral hypoperfusion on cognitive dysfunction in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 28, 57-66. PMID: 25009160 NIHMSID #626563
Xu, X., Aron, A., Westmaas, J.L., Wang, J., & Sweet, L.H. (2014). An fMRI study of nicotine-deprived smokers' reactivity to smoking cues during novel/exciting activity. PLoS ONE 9(4): e94598. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0094598 PMID: 24727905 PMC3984235
Xu, X., Clark, U.S., David, S.P., Mulligan, R.C., Knopik, V.S., McGeary, J., MacKillop, J., McCaffery, J., Niaura, R., & Sweet, L.H. (2014). The effects of nicotine deprivation and replacement on BOLD-fMRI response to smoking cues as a function of DRD4 VNTR genotype. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 16(7), 939-947. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntu010 PMID: 24659022 PMC4072897
Xu, X., Jerskey, B., Cote, D., Walsh, E., Hassenstab, J., Ladino, M., Clark, U.S., Labbe, D.,Gunstad, J., Poppas, A., Cohen, R., Hoge, R., Sweet, L.H. (2014). Cerebrovascular perfusion among older adults is moderated by strength training and gender. Neuroscience Letters, 560, 26-30. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2013.12.011 PMID: 24355360 PMC3920729
Alosco, M.L., Gunstad, J., Jerskey, B.A., Xu, X., Clark, U.S., Hassenstab, J., Cote, D.M., Walsh, E., Labbe, D., Hoge, R., Cohen, R.A., & Sweet, L.H. (2013). The adverse effects of reduced cerebral perfusion on cognition and brain structure in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Brain and Behavior, 3(6), 626-636. doi:10.1002/brb3.171 PMID: 24363966 PMC3868168
Alosco, M.L., Gunstad, J., Jerskey, B.A., Clark, U.S., Hassenstab, J.J., Xu, X., Poppas, A., Cohen, R.A., & Sweet, L.H. (2013). Left atrial size is independently associated with cognitive function. International Journal of Neuroscience, 123(8), 544-552. doi:10.3109/00207454.2013.774396 PMID: 23394115 NIHMSID #626564
Leahey, T.M., Xu, X., Unick, J.L., & Wing, R.R. (2013). A preliminary investigation of the role of self-control in behavioral weight loss treatment. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 8(2), e149-e153. doi:10.1016/j.orcp.2012.12.005 PMID24743010 PMC3992479
Xu, X., Brown, L., Aron, A., Acevedo, B., Cao, G., Feng, T., & Weng, X. (2012). Regional brain activity during early-stage intense romantic love predicted relationship outcomes 40 months later. Neuroscience Letters, 526(1), 33-38. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.08.004 PMID: 22902992 [part of the 2013 Elsevier’s Valentine’s Special Monthly Research Selection]
Xu, X., Wang, J., Lei, W., Aron, A., Westmaas, L., & Weng, X. (2012). Intense passionate love attenuates cigarette cue-reactivity in nicotine-deprived smokers: An fMRI study. PLoS ONE 7(7): e42235. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042235. PMID: 22860092 PMC3409150
Darlow, S.D., & Xu, X. (2011). The influence of close others’ exercise habits and perceived social support on exercise. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 12, 575-578. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.04.004
Xu, X., Aron, A., Brown, L., Cao, G., Feng, T., & Weng, X. (2011). Reward and motivation systems: A brain mapping study of early-stage intense romantic love in Chinese participants. Human Brain Mapping, 32(2), 249-257. doi:10.1002/hbm.21017 PMID: 21229613
Jagiellowicz, J., Xu, X., Aron, A., Aron, E., Cao, G., Feng, T. & Weng, X. (2011). The trait of sensory processing sensitivity and neural responses to changes in visual scenes. Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 6(1), 38-47. doi:10.1093/scan/nsq001. PMID: 20203139 PMC3023077
Xu, X., Floyd, A.H.L., Westmaas, J.L., & Aron, A. (2010). Self-expansion and smoking abstinence. Addictive Behaviors, 35, 295-301. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2009.10.019 PMID: 19931986
Riela, S., Rodriguez, G., Aron, A., Xu, X., & Acevedo, B. P. (2010). Experiences of falling in love: Similarities and differences in culture, ethnicity, gender, and speed. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27(4), 473-493. doi:10.1177/0265407510363508
Peer-Reviewed Chapters:
Xu, X. (In press). Health and behavior change. In B.A. Mattingly, K.P. McIntyre, & G.W.Lewandowski Jr. (Eds.), Interpersonal Relationships and Self-Concept. New York: Springer.
Mozafari, A.R., & Xu, X. (In press). Intimate relationships. In F. Cheung & D. Halpern (Eds.), Cambridge International Handbook on the Psychology of Women. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Xu, X., Lewandowski, G.W., Jr., & Aron, A. (In press). The self-expansion model and relationship maintenance. In B.G. Ogolsky & J.K. Monk (Eds.), Relationship maintenance: Theory, process, and context. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Acevedo, B., Xu, X., Lewandowski, G.W., & Aron, A. (2017). Love and self-expansion. In J. Fitzgerald (Ed.), Foundations for couples' therapy: Research for the real world (pp. 245-255). New York: Routledge.
Xu, X., Lewandowski, G.W., & Aron, A. (2016). The self-expansion model and optimal relationship development. In C.R. Knee & H.T. Reis (Eds.), Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development (pp. 79-100). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Xu, X., Weng, X., & Aron, A. (2015). The mesolimbic dopamine pathway and romantic love. In A.W. Toga, M.M. Mesulam, & S. Kastner (Eds.), Brain Mapping: An Encyclopedic Reference (pp.631-635). Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier.
Invited Contributions:
Xu, X., & Tart-Zelvin, A. (2017). What goes on in our brains when we are in love? ScientificAmerican.com Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-goes-on-in-our-brains-when-we-are-in-love/
Xu, X. (2015). Get off that couch together. Bottom Line Health, 29(11), 11-13.
Xu, X. (2014). The magic formula. In L. Bormans (Ed.), The World Book of Love (pp. 332-334). Belgium: Lannoo Publishers. (Collection on the topic of love by 100 researchers from around the world).
Xu, X. (2013). How does the brain react to a romantic breakup? Scientific American Mind, 24, 76.