Katherine Ramos | Scholars@Duke

Katherine Ramos
Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Current Research Interests

Developing and implementing psychosocial interventions for older adults in oncology or palliative care, and for their caregivers.

Clinical and Research Foci:

Mental Health & Dyadic Behavioral Interventions for Geriatric Palliative Care Populations

Communication and Coping Skills Training

Palliative Care Provider Training in Distress Coping Skills

Teaching/Lecture Presentations Foci:

Role of Psychology in Palliative Care

Psychological and Physical Resilience in Geriatric Palliative Care

Enhancing illness acceptance and adaptation to serious, life-limiting illness
Ageism and Intersectionality

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences 2021
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Medicine, Geriatrics, Medicine 2020
Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Institutes and Centers 2015
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute, Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers 2018

Contact Information

2200 West Maint Street Suite 340, Durham, NC 27705
DUMC Box 3862, Durham, NC 27710
katherine.ramos@duke.edu (919) 416-3434

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Advanced Fellowship Program in Geriatrics, Geriatrics, Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center 2015 - 2018
- Ph.D., University of Houston 2015
Duke Appointment History
- Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences 2018 - 2020
Recognition
Awards & Honors
Research
Selected Grants
- Resilience Measurement, Prediction, and its Role in Older Adults with Late Stage Lung Cancer awarded by Wake Forest University School Of Medicine 2020 - 2021
Fellowships, Supported Research, & Other Grants
- Self-System Therapy for Older Adults with Advanced Lung Cancer (SST-LC) awarded by Duke Roybal Center Awarded by National Institute on Aging 2019 - 2020
- A Quantitative and Qualitative Exploration of Distress Symptoms in Lung Cancer awarded by Pilot Study Program Awarded by the Durham VA HSR&D Center of Innovation (COIN) LIP18-002 2018 - 2019
- Couple Communication in Cancer: A Multi-method Examination awarded by Arizona State University 2018 - 2021
- George Maddox Fellowship awarded by Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development 2015 - 2017
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Steinhauser, Karen E., Karen M. Stechuchak, Katherine Ramos, Joseph Winger, James A. Tulsky, and Maren K. Olsen. “Current measures of distress may not account for what's most important in existential care interventions: Results of the outlook trial.” Palliat Support Care 18, no. 6 (December 2020): 648–57. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951520001170.
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  - Ramos, K., S. L. Langer, M. Todd, J. M. Romano, N. Ghosh, F. J. Keefe, D. H. Baucom, K. L. Syrjala, and L. S. Porter. “Attachment style, partner communication, and physical well-being among couples coping with cancer.” Personal Relationships 27, no. 3 (September 1, 2020): 526–49. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12330.
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  - Winger, Joseph G., Katherine Ramos, Karen E. Steinhauser, Tamara J. Somers, Laura S. Porter, Arif H. Kamal, William S. Breitbart, and Francis J. Keefe. “Enhancing meaning in the face of advanced cancer and pain: Qualitative evaluation of a meaning-centered psychosocial pain management intervention.” Palliat Support Care 18, no. 3 (June 2020): 263–70. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951520000115.
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  - Ramos, Katherine, and Melinda A. Stanley. “Anxiety Disorders in Late Life.” Clin Geriatr Med 36, no. 2 (May 2020): 237–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2019.11.005.
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  - Bruening, Rebecca, Nina Sperber, Katherine Miller, Sara Andrews, Karen Steinhauser, G Darryl Wieland, Jennifer Lindquist, et al. “Connecting Caregivers to Support: Lessons Learned From the VA Caregiver Support Program.” J Appl Gerontol 39, no. 4 (April 2020): 368–76. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464818825050.
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  - Shrestha, Srijana, Katherine Ramos, Terri L. Fletcher, Cynthia Kraus-Schuman, Melinda A. Stanley, David Ramsey, and Amber B. Amspoker. “Psychometric properties of worry and anxiety measures in a sample of african american and caucasian older adults.” Aging Ment Health 24, no. 2 (February 2020): 315–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2018.1544217.
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  - O’Malley, Kelly, Laura Blakley, Katherine Ramos, Nicole Torrence, and Zachary Sager. “Mental healthcare and palliative care: barriers.” Bmj Support Palliat Care, January 13, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001986.
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  - Hastings, Susan N., Karen M. Stechuchak, Cynthia J. Coffman, Elizabeth P. Mahanna, Morris Weinberger, Courtney H. Van Houtven, Kenneth E. Schmader, et al. “Discharge Information and Support for Patients Discharged from the Emergency Department: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.” J Gen Intern Med 35, no. 1 (January 2020): 79–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05319-6.
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  - Hoerger, Michael, Katherine Ramos, Lee Ellington, Laura M. Perry, Kathryn I. Pollak, and Laura S. Porter. “Organizing Psychologists, Behavioral Scientists, and Allied Professionals: Formation of the Society of Behavioral Medicine's Palliative Care Special Interest Group.” J Pain Symptom Manage 58, no. 4 (October 2019): e10–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.06.002.
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  - Hughes, Jaime M., Caroline E. Freiermuth, Megan Shepherd-Banigan, Luna Ragsdale, Stephanie A. Eucker, Karen Goldstein, S Nicole Hastings, et al. “Emergency Department Interventions for Older Adults: A Systematic Review.” J Am Geriatr Soc 67, no. 7 (July 2019): 1516–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15854.
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  - Zullig, Leah L., Katherine Ramos, Callie Berkowitz, Julie J. Miller, Rowena J. Dolor, Bridget F. Koontz, S. Yousuf Zafar, D. Hutch Allen, Jennifer A. Tenhover, and Hayden B. Bosworth. “Assessing Key Stakeholders' Knowledge, Needs, and Preferences for Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Plans.” J Cancer Educ 34, no. 3 (June 2019): 584–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-018-1345-5.
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  - Fulton, Jessica J., Thomas W. LeBlanc, Toni M. Cutson, Kathryn N. Porter Starr, Arif Kamal, Katherine Ramos, Caroline E. Freiermuth, et al. “Integrated outpatient palliative care for patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Palliat Med 33, no. 2 (February 2019): 123–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216318812633.
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  - Poncy, G., M. Kim, K. Ramos, and F. G. Lopez. “Career Planning Confidence Among Facebook Users: Contributions of Adult Attachment Security and Authenticity.” Journal of Career Assessment 26, no. 4 (November 1, 2018): 599–615. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072717723094.
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  - Ramos, Katherine, S Nicole Hastings, Hayden B. Bosworth, and Jessica J. Fulton. “Life Program: Pilot Testing a Palliative Psychology Group Intervention.” J Palliat Med 21, no. 11 (November 2018): 1641–45. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2017.0454.
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  - Lopez, Frederick G., Katherine Ramos, and Mijin Kim. “Development and initial validation of a measure of attachment security in late adulthood.” Psychol Assess 30, no. 9 (September 2018): 1214–25. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000568.
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  - Fulton, Jessica J., Amie R. Newins, Laura S. Porter, and Katherine Ramos. “Psychotherapy Targeting Depression and Anxiety for Use in Palliative Care: A Meta-Analysis.” J Palliat Med 21, no. 7 (July 2018): 1024–37. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2017.0576.
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  - Hwang, Ula, S Nicole Hastings, and Katherine Ramos. “Improving Emergency Department Discharge Care with Telephone Follow-Up. Does It Connect?” J Am Geriatr Soc 66, no. 3 (March 2018): 436–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15218.
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  - Ramos, Katherine, and Melinda A. Stanley. “Anxiety Disorders in Late Life.” Psychiatr Clin North Am 41, no. 1 (March 2018): 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2017.10.005.
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  - Ramos, K., A. Erkanli, and H. G. Koenig. “Effects of religious versus conventional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on suicidal thoughts in major depression and chronic medical illness.” Psychology of Religion and Spirituality 10, no. 1 (February 1, 2018): 79–87. https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000113.
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  - Ramos, K., and F. G. Lopez. “Attachment security and career adaptability as predictors of subjective well-being among career transitioners.” Journal of Vocational Behavior 104 (February 1, 2018): 72–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2017.10.004.
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  - Zullig, Leah L., Katherine Ramos, and Hayden B. Bosworth. “Improving Medication Adherence in Coronary Heart Disease.” Curr Cardiol Rep 19, no. 11 (September 22, 2017): 113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-017-0918-y.
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  - Lopez, F. G., and K. Ramos. “An Exploration of Gender and Career Stage Differences on a Multidimensional Measure of Work Meaningfulness.” Journal of Career Assessment 25, no. 3 (August 1, 2017): 423–33. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072716639851.
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  - Ramos, Katherine, Jose Cortes, Nancy Wilson, Mark E. Kunik, and Melinda A. Stanley. “Vida Calma: CBT for Anxiety with a Spanish-Speaking Hispanic Adult.” Clin Gerontol 40, no. 3 (May 2017): 213–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2017.1292978.
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  - Ramos, Katherine, and Jessica J. Fulton. “Integrating Dignity Therapy and Family Therapy in Palliative Care: A Case Study of Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, and Comorbid Cancer.” J Palliat Med 20, no. 2 (February 2017): 115. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2016.0495.
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  - Ramos, K. “Psychosocial Health of Older Adults with Cancer: Clinical Interventions Promoting Meaning and Value-Driven Behavior.” Current Geriatrics Reports 5, no. 3 (September 1, 2016): 220–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-016-0180-y.
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  - Ramos, Katherine, Martinque K. Jones, Alison B. Shellman, Tam K. Dao, and Kim Szeto. “Reliability and Validity of the Vietnamese Depression Interview (VDI).” J Immigr Minor Health 18, no. 4 (August 2016): 799–809. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0261-6.
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  - Lopez, F. G., and K. Ramos. “Predicting well-being in managers: Test of a positive psychology model.” Journal of Positive Psychology 11, no. 4 (July 3, 2016): 378–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2015.1092571.
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  - Naik, Aanand D., Briana Lawrence, Lea Kiefer, Katherine Ramos, Anne Utech, Nicholas Masozera, Radha Rao, Nancy J. Petersen, Mark E. Kunik, and Jeffrey A. Cully. “Building a primary care/research partnership: lessons learned from a telehealth intervention for diabetes and depression.” Fam Pract 32, no. 2 (April 2015): 216–23. https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmu084.
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  - Lopez, F. G., K. Ramos, M. Nisenbaum, N. Thind, and T. Ortiz-Rodriguez. “Predicting the Presence and Search for Life Meaning: Test of an Attachment Theory-Driven Model.” Journal of Happiness Studies 16, no. 1 (February 1, 2015): 103–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-013-9498-8.
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  - Ramos, K., T. L. Barrera, and M. A. Stanley. “Incorporating Nonmainstream Spirituality into CBT for Anxiety: A Case Study.” Spirituality in Clinical Practice 1, no. 4 (December 1, 2014): 269–77. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000035.
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  - Robinson, O. C., F. G. Lopez, and K. Ramos. “Parental antipathy and neglect: Relations with Big Five personality traits, cross-context trait variability and authenticity.” Personality and Individual Differences 56, no. 1 (January 1, 2014): 180–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.09.004.
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  - Robinson, O. C., F. G. Lopez, K. Ramos, and S. Nartova-Bochaver. “Authenticity, Social Context, and Well-Being in the United States, England, and Russia: A Three Country Comparative Analysis.” Journal of Cross Cultural Psychology 44, no. 5 (July 1, 2013): 719–37. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022112465672.
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- Book Sections
  - Lewis, M. M., K. Ramos, and A. Oliver. “Aging: Ethical issues in working with diverse populations.” In The Cambridge Handbook of Applied Psychological Ethics, 321–39, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316417287.017.
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  - Ramos, K. “Cross-cultural considerations in neuropsychological assessment with the elderly.” In Minority and Cross-Cultural Aspects of Neuropsychological Assessment: Enduring and Emerging Trends: Second Edition, 393–410, 2015.
- Conference Papers
  - Porter, Laura S., Shelby Langer, Katherine Ramos, Joan M. Romano, and Tracey A. Revenson. “COUPLE COMMUNICATION IN CANCER: NOVEL APPROACHES TO EXAMINING PROCESSES AND MECHANISMS.” In Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 54:S141–S141, 2020.
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  - Ramos, Katherine, Danielle Weber, Melanie Fischer, Neeta Ghosh, Shelby L. Langer, Michael Todd, Donald H. Baucom, and Laura S. Porter. “ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN COMMUNICATION AND EMOTIONAL CO-REGULATION (FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCY) IN COUPLES COPING WITH CANCER.” In Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 54:S142–S142, 2020.
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  - Zullig, Leah L., Callie Berkowitz, Julie Miller, Katherine Ramos, Rowena Dolor, Bridget F. Koontz, Yousuf Zafar, Deborah H. Allen, Jennifer Tenhover, and Hayden B. Bosworth. “Assessing key stakeholders' knowledge, needs, and preferences for cancer survivorship care plans.” In Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36:30–30. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), 2018. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2018.36.7_suppl.30.
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  - Steinhauser, Karen, Karen Stechuchak, Katherine Ramos, and James Tulsky. “What Works Best For Whom? Exploring the Efficacy of Two Psychosocial Interventions in Palliative Care (FR419D).” In Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 55:605–6. Elsevier BV, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.12.103.
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  - “CASE STUDIES OF COMMUNICATION DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED WHEN DELIVERING DIFFICULT NEWS.” In The Gerontologist, 56:743–743. Oxford University Press (OUP), 2016. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw162.3027.
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  - “FAMILY LIFE REVIEW AS AN ADJUNCT TO DIGNITY THERAPY FOR LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESS AND DEPRESSION.” In The Gerontologist, 56:27–28. Oxford University Press (OUP), 2016. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw162.115.
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  - Ramos, Katherine. “Attachment and Life Transitions in Young and Older Adults: Implications for Clinical Practice and Psychotherapy Interventions.” In International Journal of Psychology, 51:633–633. ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2016.
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  - Cutson, Toni, Katherine Ramos, Jamie Grant, Michaelene Moore, and Jessica Fulton. “Swinging for the Fences: Managing Challenging Behaviors at End of Life (FR450).” In Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 51:366–366. Elsevier BV, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.12.225.
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  - Cortes, Jose, Srijana Shrestha, Katherine Ramos, Jeremy Cummings, Maria Armento, Mark E. Kunik, Melinda A. Stanley, and Amy Bush. “Psychometric Properties of Worry/Anxiety Measures in an Urban, Racially Diverse, Underserved Sample of Older Adults.” In Gerontologist, Vol. 55. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC, 2015.
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  - Perez, Kateri, Katherine Ramos, Nancy L. Wilson, Amy Bush, Mark E. Kunik, and Melinda A. Stanley. “Vida Calma: Spanish-adapted CBT intervention for Spanish Elder with GAD.” In Gerontologist, Vol. 55. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC, 2015.
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  - Stanley, C. T., M. D. Byrne, and K. R. Ramos. “Effects of frequency sorting towards finding optimal organizations of hierarchal file structures.” In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 2:945–49, 2008.
Scholarly, Clinical, & Service Activities
Service to the Profession
Service to Duke
- School of Medicine. Grand Rounds Planning Commitee. 2019 2019

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Duke Appointment History

Awards & Honors

Selected Grants

Fellowships, Supported Research, & Other Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Book Sections

Conference Papers

Service to the Profession

Service to Duke