He has been a leading figure in the field of social psychology, credited with helping to launch the study of relationship science and notable for his contribution to theories of intimacy.
[2] He has served as president of the International Society for the Study of Personal Relationships and chair of the American Psychological Association's Board of Scientific Affairs, as well as executive officer and later, president of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology.
In 2012, Reis was selected for the Distinguished Career Award from the International Association for Relationship Research.
In particular, Reis investigates psychological processes that affect interpersonal relationships, intimacy, and attachment.
His studies address gender and sex factors, dating variables, perspectives on partner responsiveness, principles of familiarity, and perceptions of similarity and dissimilarity.