Psychosocial, Medical, and
Multicultural Aspects of
Adjustments to Chronic Illness

My research focuses broadly on illness; I'm interested in both prevention of illness and enhancing quality of life for persons who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses. I'm also interested in measure development and validation, particularly in diverse communities.

CANCER PREVENTION AND
QUALITY OF LIFE

I've been collaborating for about a decade with Dr. Georgia Robins Sadler, Associate Director for Outreach at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. Dr. Sadler and I have conducted a number of studies, including an investigation of the efficacy of CBT for spouses of men with prostate cancer (with Dr. James Varni of Texas A&M University), a study of fatigue in African American cancer survivors, and an instrument validation study with African American community members, among other projects. We are currently conducting a study in which we will validate instruments for English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanic women, and will develop and pilot-test a new breast cancer clinical trials education program. Dr. Sadler and I co-lead a research group that includes faculty, postdoctoral fellows, doctoral students, master's students, undergraduates, high school students, and research staff on a wide variety of projects, and we have a wonderful time with our large and diverse team of scholars!

Recent publications from this line of research...

QUALITY OF LIFE IN SYSTEMIC
SCLEROSIS (SCLERODERMA)

I also continue to have an interest in quality of life in severe rheumatic disease, and in particular, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). I continue to analyze findings from a longitudinal database, and also continue to collaborate with colleagues at UCLA on this topic.

Recent publications from this line of research...

I also am very interested in measure development and validation, as well as in validation of existing instruments for use with diverse populations. This is a major ongoing line of research for me. I have a related interest in issues of ethnicity and acculturation, and how these impact behavior.

Recent publications from this line of research...

I offer independent study credit for undergraduates (499 and 497). No prior research experience is required, but I am looking for serious, hard-working students with good academic records.

Students who want to work on cancer-related research with the team at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center should be aware that research meetings are held at the Cancer Center in La Jolla on Friday mornings, and attendance is required.