Health Psychology

April 29, 2022

Students participate in Undergraduate Research forum

April 29, 2022 Fourteen School of Health Professions students participated in the 2022 Spring Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum. Students presented research in diverse categories, including Life Sciences, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Applied Design, and Humanities. Health Professions faculty mentored 17 student presenters from multiple disciplines, as well. Health Professions student researchers Abdullah Alsharafi Major: Health Science Mentor: Jamie Hall Presentation: Construction of 3D Geometries of the Foot, Shank, and Distal Femur from CT Scans Lauren Greene Major: Health Science Mentor: Carolyn Orbann Presentation: Whooping Cough Trends in Missouri from 1914-1920 Carly Hays Major: Health Science Mentor:…

April 26, 2022

Gastrointestinal issues linked with anxiety, social withdrawal for kids with autism

April 26, 2022 Contact: Brian Consiglio, 573-882-9144, consigliob@missouri.edu COLUMBIA, Mo. — Children with autism spectrum disorder tend to experience gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and stomach pain, at a higher rate than their neurotypical peers. Some also experience other internalizing symptoms at the same time, including stress, anxiety, depression and social withdrawal. Until now, no studies have examined the causal relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and internalizing symptoms. “Research has shown gastrointestinal issues are associated with an increased stress response as well as aggression and irritability in some children with autism,” said Brad Ferguson, an assistant research professor in the…

Feb. 7, 2022

Smartphone reminders can improve memory for older adults with dementia

Feb. 7, 2022 COLUMBIA, Mo. – Older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment sometimes struggle to remember daily tasks, including managing medications, shopping for groceries and tracking upcoming events, including birthdays, anniversaries or doctor appointments. In a recent study involving researchers at the University of Missouri and Baylor University, older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment were able to improve their memory by using a personal assistant application on their smartphones to receive reminders about upcoming events and activities. Andrew Kiselica is an assistant professor in the MU School of Health Professions. He collaborated with principal investigators Michael…

Nov. 12, 2021

Celebrating National First-Generation Day!

Nov. 12, 2021 National First-Generation College Celebration Day is a day to celebrate the successes and leadership of first-generation college students and faculty. We are so proud of the following students and faculty and are excited to see what the future holds for you!    First-Generation College Students   Carly Bailey Major: Health Sciences, Rehabilitation Science emphasis Hometown: Otterville, Missouri “I am grateful for my first-generation status because of the work ethic that I witnessed and that was instilled in me at a very young age. Remember, some life lessons can’t be learned in a lecture in a lecture…

Nov. 3, 2021

A closer look at autism and special interests

Nov. 3, 2021 The November 2021 issue of Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine features research by Kerri Nowell, assistant clinical professor of Health Psychology. Dr. Nowell and her team found that television, objects and music were the most common interests, and that highly verbal males were most likely to have special interests.

Aug. 24, 2021

Eric Hart named interim department chair of Health Psychology

Aug. 24, 2021 MU School of Health Professions Dean Kristofer Hagglund has named Eric S. Hart, Psy.D, interim chair of the Department of Health Psychology. Dr. Hart directs adult neuropsychology services and is a board-certified neuropsychologist and clinical professor. He has served as associate department chair since 2016. “Dr. Hart has a wealth of experience and has led many initiatives for the department,” said Dean Hagglund. “He will be a steady guide until a new chair arrives.”  Dr. Hart will replace Laura Schopp, PhD, who will retire in September after 26 years of service at the…

Sep. 23, 2020

Show Me Collaboration

Alumni from several disciplines talk to students about why collaboration is important Each year the School of Health Professions gathers students from every professional program (Physical Therapy; Occupational Therapy; Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, Athletic Training, Respiratory Therapy, and Radiography) for an Interprofessional Education Day.  Through several lectures, workshops, and activities, this event highlights how these professions in practice will rely heavily on collaboration with other disciplines, and how good communication and teamwork will be vital parts of the job in order to provide the best care for patients.  This year, due to COVID-19, the activities…