Racial and cultural differences in health behaviors are related to racial disparities in health outcomes. From my perspective as a social health psychologist, I focus on understanding the dispositional and situational factors that contribute to racial differences and disparities in secondary prevention behavior (e.g., cancer screening). I apply this knowledge to collaborative efforts to reduce racial health disparities via theory guided interventions.
I use well validated social psychological behavioral decision-making theories (e.g., theory of planned behavior) to examine simultaneous influences of a number of predictors of health behaviors as follows: perceptions related to the behaviors (e.g., behavioral beliefs, attitudes, and normative perceptions); perceptions related to racial group membership (e.g., racial identity, perceived racism and discrimination, group-based medical mistrust, etc.); relevant knowledge and beliefs (e.g., perceptions of personal cancer risk, cancer risk knowledge, etc.).
I use well validated social psychological behavioral decision-making theories (e.g., theory of planned behavior) to examine simultaneous influences of a number of predictors of health behaviors as follows: perceptions related to the behaviors (e.g., behavioral beliefs, attitudes, and normative perceptions); perceptions related to racial group membership (e.g., racial identity, perceived racism and discrimination, group-based medical mistrust, etc.); relevant knowledge and beliefs (e.g., perceptions of personal cancer risk, cancer risk knowledge, etc.).
Current Projects
Targeted Colorectal Cancer Screening InterventionLower uptake of colorectal cancer screening among some African Americans has been identified as a cause of racial disparities in colorectal cancer disease incidence and mortality. The aim of this project is to examine whether a theory-guided culturally targeted screening intervention will increase African American study participants' receptivity to colorectal cancer screening.
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Racism, Discrimination and Racial Minority Health OutcomesThe majority of psychological research that has examined race and racial minority group experiences have been done by researchers who are not members of racial minority groups. This project uses systematic review and meta-analysis to examine how this lack of group representation influenced theories, designs, sampling and study outcomes among research that examines minority health and health disparities.
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Family Health and Risk Communication
Rates of cascade screening (i.e., screening of eligible family members after a genetic mutation has been identified in someone who has received genetic testing) is sub-optimal when communication is left to the genetic testing recipient. When relevant clinical staff contact family members, cascade screening uptake increases significantly. The aim of this project is to examine whether a web-based platform where genetic counselors, genetic testing recipients, and family members can communicate may increase rates of cascade screening.
