Caryl Rusbult was an inspiring scholar, colleague and mentor who made many important contributions to the social psychology of close relationships through her research and through the young scholars whom she encouraged. 

To honor Professor Rusbult's dedication to training top scholars, the Relationship Researchers Interest Group and the Foundation for Personality and Social Psychology launched the Caryl E. Rusbult Young Investigator Award. This award is presented annually to an investigator who has made original and important contributions to relationship science. The recipient of this award is also invited to give an award address at the annual SPSP Close Relationships Preconference.