Meet a Roadrunner: UTSA Ph.D. candidate tackles the psychology of breast cancer
(Sept. 23, 2015) — Meet Kristen Rosen. A UTSA Department of Psychology Ph.D. candidate, she recognized that there was a lack of research on using technology to enhance the quality of life in breast cancer patients. And now, because of her, there’s an app for that.
With help from a local breast cancer foundation and breast cancer survivors, Rosen developed a mobile application that helps breast cancer patients to not only be aware of the emotions they deal with post-diagnosis, but also to train themselves to deal with those emotions in a healthy way.
Because advances in breast cancer therapies and detection have improved survival rates over the years, researchers like Rosen are now focusing on quality of life in patients.
“Until now, there has been almost no research on using technology to enhance the quality of life of breast cancer patients by using mindfulness, or being aware of sensations and emotions, but not judging those things,” Rosen said.
The app is used as a training module, allowing users to participate in several exercises, including logging their feelings and doing breathing exercises.
Breast cancer patients an often go through cycles of depression and anxiety after their diagnosis, Rosen said.
“Body image issues can come up when someone’s been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “Issues with intimacy and even issues with interpersonal relationships can be a problem.”
Patients who find ways to work through these emotions tend to have a better quality of life, Rosen added.
This innovative research Rosen is conducting was one of the reasons she was named The Graduate School’s Outstanding Graduate Student Research Scholarship last spring.
“When I first started, there was almost no research on this. Researchers were saying we needed more research on this. And now I get to be a part of it,” Rosen said.
-----------------------------
Connect online with UTSA on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.