Overview
My research focuses on developing and evaluating behavioral interventions to help patients and their family members cope with the symptoms and psychological demands associated with chronic and life-limiting illness.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2019 - Present
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Professor in the School of Nursing
·
2019 - Present
School of Nursing
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2001 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Efficacy of a couple-based intervention addressing sexual concerns for breast cancer survivors: Results of a randomized controlled trial.
Journal Article Cancer · January 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: Sexual concerns are common and problematic for breast cancer survivors. Partner and relationship factors often play a key role in determining survivors' sexual adjustment, making it likely that couple-based interventions that integrate survivor ... Full text Link to item CiteFamily-Focused Facilitated Fitness: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Couple-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients and Their Caregiving Partners.
Journal Article Transplant Cell Ther · April 2024 Reductions in physical activity (PA) are common among patients following hematopoietic cell transplantation, and a risk factor for poor physical functioning. PA among spouses/cohabiting partners, who frequently serve as the patient's primary caregiver, may ... Full text Link to item CiteCouples communication and cancer: Sequences and trajectories of behavioral affective processes in relation to intimacy.
Journal Article J Fam Psychol · March 2024 Cancer poses a set of physical and emotional challenges to the patient, spouse, and their relationship. One challenge for couples is discussing cancer-related concerns in a manner that facilitates intimacy. Current couple-based interventions have been show ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Couple Communication in Cancer: A Multi-method Examination
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Arizona State University · 2024 - 2029Mindfulness Intervention for Sleep Disturbance and Symptom Management in Hematologic Cancer Patients During and After Inpatient Treatment
ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 20291/2 Self-directed mobile adaptive coping skills intervention to improve psychological distress symptoms among cardiorespiratory failure survivors: the Blueprint RCT
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2029View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Stony Brook University ·
1996
Ph.D.