Student Theses
Lauren Elliott
Evaluating Biopsychosocial Factors to Inform our Understanding of Cognitive Functioning in Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
This project investigates biopsychosocial factors (e.g., pre-death grief, social support, heart rate variability, etc.) that may contribute to accelerated age-related cognitive decline in family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These family caregivers may be more susceptible to cognitive impairment due to the presence of chronic stress. Elucidating the risk and protective factors of cognitive outcomes across several domains will lay the groundwork for future interventions.
Libby McLean
Grieving a Loss to Incarceration: A Qualitative Analysis
This project is utilizing qualitative interviewing to understand grief experiences in family members of incarcerated individuals. We aim to build a theoretical framework of grief related to incarceration guided by stakeholders’ perspectives and lived experiences. This project will inform future work in grief related to incarceration, including possible targets for intervention.
Carol Fadalla
Examining Racial-Ethnic Disparities and Pre-Death Grief Among Persons with Advanced Cancer and Their Family Caregivers
This study is aimed at understanding the dyadic interdependence of how persons with advanced cancer and their family caregivers experience pre-death grief. Furthermore, this study hopes to examine whether experiences of discrimination and acculturative stress impact pre-death grief experiences for Hispanic persons with advanced cancer and their family caregivers.
Sydnie Schneider
Respite Care: Psychological and Bidirectional Physiological Effects for Family Caregivers and their Care Recipient with AD/ADRD
This project investigates a physiological marker in persons with AD/ADRD and physiological and psychological measures in their family caregivers. Due to the constant stress of their role, these caregivers are at increased risk for negative health outcomes including a higher risk of cognitive impairment. This study examines the effect of 3-hour, weekly respite sessions for stress in these caregivers, and how stress within the caregiver can impact stress within their loved one with AD/ADRD.
