Program of research

Current projects

Emotional Vulnerability in Congenital Heart Disease (EVCD) | This study examined fear, anxiety, emotional factors and early life stress factors predictive of health outcomes, including admissions, health care utilization, quality of life in adults with congenital heart disease seeking care at an outpatient specialty Clinic for Congenital Heart Disease. Collaborators: Philip Ludbrook, MD, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis

Impact of consumer smart device platforms on illness uncertainty and anxiety in atrial fibrillation (AFib) | We tested the psychological sequelae (illness uncertainty, cardiac anxiety, symptom sensitivity) among patients with atrial fibrillation using cardiac monitoring features in the Kardia band or Apple Watch. Project lead: Vien Cheung, PhD

Uncertainty in the context of end-of-life communication in heart failure (HF) | We examined psychological factors related to advance care planning and end-of-life communication for individuals with heart failure. Project lead: Caleb Pardue, PhD

Morbidity of DSM disorders in non–cardiac chest pain | The aim of this ongoing research is to develop and test theoretical models of the etiology, maintenance, and disability associated with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). NCCP is chest pain not due to coronary artery disease (i.e., non-CAD chest pain) or other organic causes. Collaborators: Ernest Gervino, ScD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School

International projects

Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease – International Study (APPROACH-IS) | This study is an international research collaborative. This cross-sectional, multilevel study uses a standardized protocol conducted in partnership with the International Society for Adult Congenital Heart Disease of 4,028 adults from 15 countries. Data are collected on emotions, quality of life, health behaviors, medical factors, and other potential factors that may impact patient–reported outcomes in adults with with congenital heart disease. Principal Investigator (St. Louis, Missouri: White), Collaborator: Ari Cedars, MD, Director, Congenital Heart Disease, Johns Hopkins Medicine; International Steering Committee: Philip Moons, PhD, Adrienne Kovacs, PhD, Koen Luyckx, PhD, and Eva Goossens, PhD; Sponsor: International Society for Congenital Heart Disease

University of Missouri, St. Louis

HARP Research Lab

Kamila White
Associate Professor / Director

Department of Psychological Sciences
One University Boulevard / Stadler Hall, 229–231