Biological mediators of psychosocial effects in health, specifically psychoneuroimmune relationships. Contributions include data showing the diurnal cortisol rhythm is prognostic for early breast cancer mortality and further studies on circadian effects in tumor progression. Data from the Biobehavioral Research Lab supports the work of others suggesting that childhood trauma can result in adult neuroendocrine dysfunction, and that social support, emotional expression, and existential or spiritual coping styles may protect normal endocrine and immune function in individuals who have experienced trauma, cancer, or chronic illness. The Biobehavioral lab is investigating a model of circadian disruption as a mediator of biobehavioral effects on tumor progression and exploring Mindfulness Meditation as an intervention to alleviate suffering in chronic illness.
