Testing an integrated model of psychological mechanisms in Pain Treatment: Tests of pain-care recommendations, treatment differences across race, & the malleability of affective & cognitive mechanisms - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT E. Paige Lloyd, PhD is a social psychologist whose ultimate career goal is to use her expertise in intergroup relations to investigate the cognitive and affective behaviors which may underpin of health disparities and create interventions that promote high-quality healthcare and reduce treatment disparities. The research she proposes titled, “Testing an integrated model of psychological mechanisms in pain treatment: Tests of pain-care recommendations, treatment differences across race, and the malleability of affective and cognitive mechanisms” addresses gaps in the literature, offers practical insights, and provides a platform for development. Research: Pain is a prevalent and consequential health concern. However, pain care varies by race; for example, White Americans receive more aggressive and guideline-directed pain care than Black Americans. Although there is consistent evidence of differences in pain care, there is no work integrating models of multiracial person perception or experimentally examining the contribution of these processes to pain care decisions. The overall objective of this research is to identify and improve cognitive and affective behaviors that impact pain treatment for all patients, thereby attenuating differences across race. To test this objective, Dr. Lloyd will pursue the following Specific Aims: Aim #1: To investigate the pattern of treatment differences in pain care for White, Black, and multiracial Black/White hypothetical patients, Aim #2: To examine treatment differences for hypothetical perceived Black, White, and Black/White patients in an externally valid pain care scenario and test the mediating role of affective and cognitive mechanisms, Aim #3: To empirically test a novel intervention designed to improve affective and cognitive responses theorized to promote high-quality pain care. Three complementary studies employing vignette, standardized patient, and intervention designs will examine 1) differences in pain treatment recommendations across Black, White, and Black/White multiracial hypothetical patients, 2) the cognitive and affective mechanisms that inform treatment recommendations, and 3) potential solutions to improving these cognitive and affective behaviors. Training: The proposed career development plan will build upon Dr. Lloyd’s previous training with three training goals: 1) expand measurement and statistical expertise to encompass and nonverbal behavior, 2) gain expertise in the ethics, theory, and methodologies of health services research relevant to disparities 3) learn about developing and implementing translational interventions. Dr. Lloyd and her mentorship team propose specific training activities, didactic and experiential, that will enable her to gain the skills necessary to complete the proposed research and develop as an independent scientist. This training will be supported by an experienced and successful multidisciplinary team. Dr. Lloyd’s institution and department, the University of Denver and the Department of Psychology, are committed to her success and have provided extensive resources to promote her productivity and training. This award will provide Dr. Lloyd with the training and pilot data required to seek R01 funding, become a nationally-recognized independent investigator, and make scientific contributions that promote high-quality healthcare for all.
