Nicky's research interests center around adult development and aging, with a focus on personality, and how gender, social roles, health, and well-being are associated with personality development. She typically uses a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods in her research. Current projects examine personality and experienced well-being in midlife to older adults, as well as regret, gratitude, retirement transitions, and intended legacies in later life. She also collaborates in research concerning stress, marital quality and health (blood pressure, weight changes) among older couples.