Research at Fox Chase »Postdoctoral Research Program »Fellowships and Openings

Lecture 1: "Basic Concepts in Behavioral Research in Cancer Prevention and Control" by Suzanne M. Miller, PhD

Topics: Review of basic theoretical models of behavioral prevention research (e.g., health belief model, transtheoretical model, C-SHIP model) and examples of applications in cancer control (e.g., how perceived risk, benefits and barriers have been assessed in mammography studies); review best evidence-based psychosocial interventions for facilitating behavioral change in cancer prevention; the literature on psychological interventions to improve quality of life for patients and family members will be reviewed.

Learning Objectives: At the completion of this module, the trainee will be familiar with the practical models of behavioral research as related to prevention and the medical literature in this field.

Lecture 2: "Designing and Implementing a Behavioral Study in Cancer Prevention and Control" by Sharon Manne, PhD

Topics: Review basic steps to designing, implementing a behavioral study with at-risk persons, newly diagnosed, or survivorship populations. How to identify target outcomes; select validated instruments or indices at the psychological, social, and physiological levels; develop traditional or new media intervention and control protocols; recruit, retain study participants; review data entry, management, analysis, and interpretation. Ongoing and completed studies will serve as a point of comparison and discussion.

Learning Objectives: At the completion of this module, the trainee will be able to understand basic behavioral science theory and health communication frameworks; integrate behavioral approaches into risk perception, adherence, quality of life, and behavior change studies; conceptualize appropriate measurement and intervention strategies; critically evaluate the empirical and theoretical basis of the extant literature; delineate the underlying mechanisms of tailored and targeted behavioral assessment, motivational, and communication protocols.

Lecture 3: "Tobacco Control" by Amy Lazev, PhD

Topics: The prevalence of tobacco use; methods of assessing tobacco use; strategies for intervening for the tobacco user; psychological and genetic correlates of tobacco use.

Learning Objectives: At completion of this module, the trainee will understand the scope of the tobacco use problem; understand methods of assessing and treating tobacco use and understand the current literature about determinants of tobacco use.