Research

We actively conduct health psychology and behavioral medicine research to understand the sociocultural and biological processes across the health continuum and to promote healthy lifestyle behavior changes.

Research Themes

Cancer

Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Pain Conditions

HIV/AIDS

cancer tile pain tile HIV tile

The Department of Psychology, in close collaboration with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, conducts behavioral oncology research within a diverse and broad scientific portfolio of cancer survivorship-related studies, biobehavioraloncology mechanisms, psychosocial interventions, caregiving, comorbidities in cancer, technology-based and electronic medical record (EMR) integrated assessment and intervention tools for symptom and toxicities management, health disparities, sociocultural and biobehavioralapproaches, translational and dissemination/implementation science in cancer care delivery, and other collaborative projects within and outside of the University of Miami.

Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Pain Health. Members of the faculty study a variety of psychological variables related to cardiovascular, metabolic (diabetes), and related health concerns both with respect to prevention, epidemiology, and treatment.

Hispanic/Latino Health. The Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a multi-center epidemiologic study in Hispanic/Latino populations to assess the role of acculturation in the prevalence and development of disease, and to identify factors playing a protective or harmful role in the health of Hispanics/Latinos. University of Miami is one of the founding collaborating institutions, with multiple and continuing ancillary studies.

Active HIV behavioral science research labs investigate psychosocial (psychological, structural, behavioral) components of HIV prevention and care locally and globally. Given the disproportionate rates of HIV in SouthFlorida in general and Miami in particular, a focus on the local epidemic, health disparities, and resilience in various populations (men who have sex with men, women living with or at risk for HIV, men affected by the epidemic) are strong components of the HIV/AIDS research at the University of Miami. Community engagement is a crucial basis of all research activities. 

 Our department also houses the University of Miami Center for HIV and Research in Mental Health (CHARM), a new Developmental HIV Center funded by NIMH and led by our own Steven Safren.

Faculty whose research focuses on these topics include:

Faculty whose research focuses on these topics include:

 

Faculty whose research focuses on these topics include:

 

Find a listing of our Faculty and Research Interests here