Expertise
My research interests concern social motivation and emotion, close relationships, and cross-cultural psychology. I have applied these interests primarily to the field of psycho-oncology. My research focuses on various aspects of the quality of life of cancer survivors and their family members and close friends. These outcomes include psychological, physical, behavioral, and spiritual adjustment. Psychosocial correlates of these outcomes include coping with caregiving stress, gender, relationship quality, and cancer preventive behaviors. My program of research aims to examine the psychosocial, physical, and spiritual impact of cancer on the family both at a national and at a community level. I am interested in investigating biobehavioral mechanisms of the link between cancer experiences and quality of life of cancer survivors and their family members, and to develop programs and services to assist families in meeting their needs and to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among cancer survivors and their family and friends.