Academic Appointments


Professional Education


  • Ph.D., University of Michigan, School of Public Health (1989)

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


Enhancing our understanding of psychosocial factors at work (occupational stress, social support at work, organizational justice, organizational empowerment) that are associated with health and disease.

Developing effective strategies for enhancing employee resiliency and reducing exposure to psychological and behavioral risk factors at work.

2024-25 Courses


Stanford Advisees


All Publications


  • Benefit finding and well-being over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. PloS one Moore, J. B., Rubin, K. C., Heaney, C. A. 2023; 18 (7): e0288332

    Abstract

    This study focuses on understanding benefit finding, the process of deriving growth from adversity, and its relationship to well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (n = 701) completed online surveys at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after a shelter-in-place mandate was announced in California, USA. Identifying as female or of Asian descent, having a supportive social network, and reporting more distress were associated with higher levels of general benefit finding at all data collection points, while other demographics were not. Benefit finding exhibited small but statistically significant associations with two measures of well-being. Understanding the extent to which various groups of people experience benefit finding during ongoing adversity and how such benefit finding is associated with well-being may help to promote mental health during a collective trauma like the COVID-19 pandemic.

    View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0288332

    View details for PubMedID 37498840

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10374125

  • Contemplative Practices Behavior Is Positively Associated with Well-Being in Three Global Multi-Regional Stanford WELL for Life Cohorts. International journal of environmental research and public health Rich, T., Chrisinger, B. W., Kaimal, R., Winter, S. J., Hedlin, H., Min, Y., Zhao, X., Zhu, S., You, S. L., Sun, C. A., Lin, J. T., Hsing, A. W., Heaney, C. 2022; 19 (20)

    Abstract

    Positive associations between well-being and a single contemplative practice (e.g., mindfulness meditation) are well documented, yet prior work may have underestimated the strength of the association by omitting consideration of multiple and/or alternative contemplative practices. Moreover, little is known about how contemplative practice behavior (CPB) impacts different dimensions of well-being. This study investigates the relationship of CPB, consisting of four discrete practices (embodied somatic-observing, non-reactive mindfulness, self-compassion, and compassion for others), with multiple dimensions of well-being. As with other canonical lifestyle behaviors, multiple contemplative practices can be integrated into one's daily routine. Thus, it is critical to holistically consider these behaviors, extending them beyond a simple uni-dimensional measure (e.g., daily mindfulness meditation practice). We developed an integrative measure of four types of contemplative practice and found it to be significantly associated with a multi-dimensional measure of well-being. Importantly, our findings were from three large global multi-regional cohorts and compared against better-understood lifestyle behaviors (physical activity). Data were drawn from California/San Francisco Bay Area, (n = 6442), Hangzhou City (n = 10,268), and New Taipei City (n = 3033). In all three cohorts, we found statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive associations between CPB and well-being, both overall and with all of the constituent domains of well-being, comparable to or stronger than the relationship with physical activity across most well-being outcomes. These findings provide robust and cross-cultural evidence for a positive association between CPB and well-being, illuminate dimensions of well-being that could be most influenced by CPB, and suggest CPB may be useful to include as part of fundamental lifestyle recommendations for health and well-being.

    View details for DOI 10.3390/ijerph192013485

    View details for PubMedID 36294068

  • The Value of Contemplative Practices: A Mixed Methods Approach Exploring Associations between Resilience and Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Older Adults. International journal of environmental research and public health Achepohl, G., Heaney, C., Rosas, L. G., Moore, J., Rich, T., Winter, S. J. 2022; 19 (16)

    Abstract

    The aim of this study was to explore the association between resilience and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults. We used a sequential explanatory mixed methods study design to recruit older adults who spoke English and were 60 and above during the pandemic. Survey data investigated older adults' resilience, post-traumatic growth, well-being, and demographics. Extreme case purposeful sampling of their resilience score was used to select interviewees. Qualitative data sought to understand the relationship between resilience and how older adults responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Exploring the relationship between resilience (well-being in the face of challenge) and one's experience of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that participants categorized as having high resilience had long held behaviors of contemplative practices that helped them effectively adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to face global challenges, we must redefine care, guide interventions, and promote healthy aging by incorporating contemplative practices into the lives of older adults.

    View details for DOI 10.3390/ijerph191610224

    View details for PubMedID 36011860

  • Well-being in Thailand: A Culturally Driven Grounded Inquiry Exploration of a Complex Construct APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE Suavansri, P., Pichayayothin, N., Espinosa, P., Areekit, P., Nilchantuk, C., Jones, T. S., French, J. J., Mam, E., Moore, J. B., Heaney, C. A. 2022
  • Found in Translation: Reflections and Lessons for Qualitative Research Collaborations Across Language and Culture INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUALITATIVE METHODS Rodriguez Espinosa, P., Pichayayothin, N. B., Suavansri, P., French, J. J., Areekit, P., Nilchantuk, C., Jones, T. S., Mam, E., Moore, J. B., Heaney, C. A. 2022; 21
  • A MIXED METHODS APPROACH EXPLORING ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN RESILIENCE AND EXPERIENCES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG OLDER ADULTS Achepohl, G. D., Heaney, C. A., Rosas, L., Moore, J., Winter, S. J. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2022: S27
  • BENEFIT FINDING AND WELL-BEING OVER THE COURSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Moore, J., Heaney, C. A., Rubin, K. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2022: S58
  • An in-depth comparison of well-being among Latinx and non-Latinx White adults: A cautionary tale. Preventive medicine reports Rodriguez Espinosa, P., Patel, M. L., King, A. C., Campero, I., Freeman, M. 2., Garcia, D. M., Winter, S. J., Heaney, C. A. 2021; 24: 101513

    Abstract

    Understanding how to optimize the health and well-being of Latinxs is crucial and will aid in informing actions to address inequities. Latinxs' unique cultural backgrounds and lived experiences could have implications for their well-being, which may differ from other racial/ethnic groups. We compared overall and domain-specific well-being and their socio-demographic correlates among two samples of Latinxs and a sample of non-Latinx Whites. Cross-sectional samples were independently drawn from the Stanford WELL Initiative (n=217 Latinxs, n=943 non-Latinx Whites) and the On the Move Trial (n=238 Latinxs), both recruiting in Northern California. Well-being was assessed using the Stanford WELL scale, a novel multifaceted measure. Propensity score matching and mixed effect regressions were employed to compare well-being between samples. Overall well-being levels did not differ between groups. However, when examining constituent domains of well-being, several differences were found. Both Latinx samples reported experiencing more stress, having worse physical health, and being more religious than did the matched non-Latinx White sample. However, on four other well-being domains, only one of the Latinx samples differed from the non-Latinx White sample. Moreover, the two Latinx samples differed from each other in four out of nine domains examined. When evaluating well-being across racial/ethnic groups, we recommend employing multidimensional measures and multiple samples to promote greater confidence in the conclusions. This approach can better inform future research and the tailoring of public health efforts by furthering our understanding of the nature of group well-being differences. Our methods offer a blueprint for similar studies examining well-being in multi-ethnic groups.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101513

    View details for PubMedID 34401222

  • Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic: Contemplative practice behaviors are associated with better mental health outcomes and compliance with shelter-in-place orders in a prospective cohort study. Preventive medicine reports Chrisinger, B. W., Rich, T., Lounsbury, D., Peng, K., Zhang, J., Heaney, C. A., Lu, Y., Hsing, A. W. 2021; 23: 101451

    Abstract

    Psychosocial health can influence the development and experience of several chronic diseases, and has been negatively affected for many individuals amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. To understand the impact of contemplative practices on emotional and mental health during COVID-19, the Stanford WELL for Life Study (US component), incorporated a series of additional surveys into its ongoing study. A total of 1,097 participants residing in California who responded to at least one of three COVID-19 surveys were included in this analysis. Linear and generalized mixed-effects regression models were used to investigate relationships between individual contemplative practice behaviors (CPB) (embodied observing meditation, non-reactive mindfulness meditation, self-compassion cultivation, cultivation of compassion for others) and four psychosocial outcomes measured in the original WELL questionnaire (resilience, dealing with stress, positive emotions, and negative emotions). In addition, the associations between CPB and depression, distress, and compliance with local Shelter-In-Place orders were also investigated. Participants who engaged in any contemplative practice reported significantly more resilience and positive emotions, dealing better with stress, lower distress, and were less likely to report an experience with depression in the last week. Similar findings held when CPB was modeled as a continuous variable. Significant interactions between the duration of the SIP and CPB were also observed for resilience and SIP compliance outcomes, indicating that steeper declines were observed among participants with little or no CPB across the study period. Further investigation into the potential protective benefits of CPB during times of major disruption and uncertainty is warranted.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101451

    View details for PubMedID 34189024

  • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS STRESS MANAGEMENT DURING COVID-19 Vogel, E. A., Zhang, J., Peng, K., Heaney, C. A., Lu, Y., Lounsbury, D. W., Hsing, A. W., Prochaska, J. J. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2021: S357
  • Cohort Profile: WELL living laboratory in China (WELL-China). International journal of epidemiology Min, Y., Zhao, X., Hsing, A. W., Zhu, S. 2021

    View details for DOI 10.1093/ije/dyaa283

    View details for PubMedID 33712826

  • Physical activity and stress management during COVID-19: a longitudinal survey study. Psychology & health Vogel, E. A., Zhang, J. S., Peng, K., Heaney, C. A., Lu, Y., Lounsbury, D., Hsing, A. W., Prochaska, J. J. 2021: 1–11

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: Physical activity (PA) during COVID-19 shelter-in-place (SIP) may offset stress. This study examined associations between PA, stress and stress management strategies during SIP.DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants (N=990) from a cohort of Northern California adults completed surveys during early SIP (3/23/20-4/2/20) and mid-SIP (4/24/20-5/8/20). Participants self-reported past-month PA (meeting vs. not meeting guidelines), changes in stress (decreased/unchanged vs. increased) and use (yes/no) of 10 stress management strategies. We tested differences in mid-SIP stress and stress management strategies by PA, and differences in mid-SIP stress by stress management strategies.RESULTS: Compared to participants inactive at mid-SIP, active participants reported less stress (AOR = 0.60 [0.45, 0.81]). Active participants were more likely to manage stress using outdoor PA, indoor PA, yoga/meditation/prayer, gardening, and reading (AORs > 1.42), and less likely to sleep (AOR = 0.65 [0.48, 0.89]) or eat ([AOR = 0.48 [0.35, 0.66]) more. Managing stress using outdoor PA, indoor PA or reading was associated with lower stress; managing stress using TV/movies, sleeping or eating was associated with increased stress (ps < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Meeting PA guidelines during SIP was associated with less stress. Inactive participants reported greater sleeping and eating to cope; active participants used active stress management strategies. Engagement in physically active stress management was associated with lower stress.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/08870446.2020.1869740

    View details for PubMedID 33405969

  • Well-Being without a Roof: Examining Well-Being among Unhoused Individuals Using Mixed Methods and Propensity Score Matching. International journal of environmental research and public health Ahuja, N. J., Nguyen, A., Winter, S. J., Freeman, M., Shi, R., Rodriguez Espinosa, P., Heaney, C. A. 2020; 17 (19)

    Abstract

    The morbidity and mortality experiences of people who are unhoused have been well-described, but much less is known about the overall well-being of these individuals. In this mixed methods study, housed and unhoused participants completed a multi-faceted 10 domain measure of well-being (the Stanford WELL Survey), and a subset of unhoused participants shared their experiences during qualitative interviews. Using propensity score matching, unhoused participants (n = 51) were matched at a ratio of 1:5 with housed participants (n = 255). The mean overall well-being score of the unhoused participants was significantly lower than that of the matched housed participants (B = -5.022, p = 0.013). Additionally, the two groups differed on some of the constituent domains of well-being, with unhoused participants reporting statistically significantly lower mean scores on social connectedness (B = -1.086, p = 0.000), lifestyle and daily practices (B = -1.219, p = 0.000), stress and resilience (B = -0.493, p = 0.023), experience of emotions (B = -0.632, p = 0.009), physical health (B = -0.944, p = 0.0001), and finances (B = -3.099, p = 0.000). The unhoused participants had a statistically significantly higher mean score for spirituality and religiosity (B = 2.401, p = 0.000) than their matched housed counterparts. The qualitative interviews further highlighted spirituality and religion as a coping mechanism for the unhoused. The results of this study highlight both unexpected strengths exhibited by the unhoused individuals and areas of challenge.

    View details for DOI 10.3390/ijerph17197228

    View details for PubMedID 33023231

  • The WELL diet score correlates with the alternative healthy eating index-2010. Food science & nutrition Springfield, S., Cunanan, K., Heaney, C., Peng, K., Gardner, C. 2020; 8 (6): 2710-2718

    Abstract

    The quality of one's overall diet has proven to be of great importance to health and well-being. Unfortunately, diet quality is time-consuming to assess. The Stanford Wellness Living Laboratory (WELL) administered an online survey that included the WELL Diet Score (a novel diet quality assessment calculated from 12 diet-related items). Subsequently, WELL participants were asked to complete the 127-item Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) online. The present study's primary objective was to compare the WELL Diet Score with the established FFQ-based Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), in a subset of WELL participants (n = 248) who completed both dietary measures through WELL's online platform. The two scores were significantly correlated (r = .69; p < .0001). Regression analyses demonstrated that the WELL Diet Score was positively significantly associated with sociodemographic determinants of diet quality and protective health factors, including older age, higher education, lower BMI, and higher physical activity. In summary, the WELL Diet Score, derived from 12 small diet-related items that can be completed in 5 min, was significantly positively correlated with the AHEI-2010 derived from the lengthy 127-item FFQ, suggesting the potential utility of the WELL Diet Score in future large-scale studies, including future WELL studies.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/fsn3.1558

    View details for PubMedID 32566188

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7300046

  • The WELL diet score correlates with the alternative healthy eating index-2010 FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION Springfield, S., Cunanan, K., Heaney, C., Peng, K., Gardner, C. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1002/fsn3.1558

    View details for Web of Science ID 000530379700001

  • PROMOTING WELL-BEING AMONG LATINOS: CAN A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION MOVE THE NEEDLE? Espinosa, P., Campero, I., Patel, M. L., Garcia, D., Winter, S. J., Heaney, C. A., King, A. C. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2020: S370
  • A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF WELL-BEING AMONG LATINXS AND NON-LATINX WHITE ADULTS: A PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHING STUDY Espinosa, P., Freeman, M., Heaney, C. A. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2020: S590
  • Exploring health and well-being in Taiwan: what we can learn from individuals' narratives. BMC public health Rodriguez Espinosa, P. n., Chen, Y. C., Sun, C. A., You, S. L., Lin, J. T., Chen, K. H., Hsing, A. W., Heaney, C. A. 2020; 20 (1): 159

    Abstract

    Our aim was to explore the concepts of health and well-being from the point of view of the people experiencing them. Most of the efforts to understand these concepts have focused on disease prevention and treatment. Less is known about how individuals achieve health and well-being, and their roles in the pursuit of a good life. We hoped to identify important components of these concepts that may provide new targets and messages to strengthen existing public health programs. An improved understanding of health and well-being - or what it means to be well - can guide interventions that help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.Using a grounded qualitative approach drawing from narrative inquiry, we interviewed 24 Taiwanese adults. Thematic inductive coding was employed to explore the nature of health and well-being.Eight constituent domains emerged regarding well-being and health. While the same domains were found for both constructs, important frequency differences were found when participants discussed health versus well-being. Physical health and lifestyle behaviors emerged as key domains for health. Disease-related comments were the most frequently mentioned sub-category within the physical health domain, along with health care use and aging-related changes. For well-being, family and finances emerged as key domains. Family appears to be a cornerstone element of well-being in this sample, with participants often describing their personal well-being as closely tied to - and often indistinguishable from - their family. Other domains included work-life, sense of self, resilience, and religion/spirituality.Health and well-being are complex and multifaceted constructs, with participants discussing their constituent domains in a very interconnected manner. Programs and policies intended to promote health and well-being may benefit from considering these domains as culturally-appropriate leverage points to bring about change. Additionally, while the domains identified in this study are person-centered (i.e., reflecting the personal experiences of participants), the stories that participants offered provided insights into how well-being and health are influenced by structural, societal and cultural factors. Our findings also offer an opportunity for future refinement and rethinking of existing measurement tools surrounding these constructs.

    View details for DOI 10.1186/s12889-020-8201-3

    View details for PubMedID 32013898

  • CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES BEHAVIOR AND WELL-BEING Rich, S., Chrisinger, B., Kaimal, R., Winter, S. J., Hedlin, H., Heaney, C. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2019: S565
  • WELL-BEING AND ITS CORRELATES AMONG LATINO ADULTS: WHAT REALLY MATTERS AND TO WHOM? Espinosa, P., Peng, K., Garcia, D., Campero, M. I., Winter, S. J., Heaney, C., King, A. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2019: S123
  • Physical activity: Perceptions and behaviours, and the association with well-being Winter, S., Hedlin, H., Balasubramanian, V., Heaney, C. HUMAN KINETICS PUBL INC. 2018: S172–S173
  • DIET: PERCEPTIONS AND BEHAVIORS, AND THE ASSOCIATION WITH WELL-BEING Winter, S., Hedlin, H., Balasubramanian, V., Heaney, C. SPRINGER. 2018: S83
  • The Effect of a Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention on Depressive Symptoms Among Latino Immigrants in a Randomized Controlled Trial JOURNAL OF IMMIGRANT AND MINORITY HEALTH Figueroa, S., Stafford, R. S., Heaney, C. A., Rosas, L. G. 2018; 20 (5): 1182–89

    Abstract

    Evidence of whether behavioral weight-loss interventions reduce depressive symptoms among Latino immigrants is limited. The effect of a behavioral weight-loss intervention on depressive symptoms was assessed using data from a clinical trial among Latino immigrants. Participants were randomized to a usual care (UC) control (n = 41), case management (CM) alone (n = 84), or CM with community health worker support (CM+CHW) (n = 82). Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare the impact of each intervention with UC. Effect modification by poverty level was further investigated. Overall, treatment groups were not significantly associated with 24-month changes in CES-D scores. Among participants below the 100% federal poverty level (FPL), those randomized to CM+CHW had 24-month CES-D scores significantly lower (Β coefficient = 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.93) than those in UC (p = 0.01). A behavioral weight-loss intervention providing case management and support from a CHW reduced depressive symptoms among Latino immigrants below the 100% FPL.

    View details for PubMedID 29038966

  • Ethnic identity, resilience, and well-being: a study of female Maasai migrants. International journal of public health Jowell, A., Wulfovich, S., Kuyan, S., Heaney, C. 2018

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVES: Migration is an increasingly prevalent worldwide phenomenon. In recent years, Maasai men and women have migrated from their traditional rural villages to cities in Tanzania in growing numbers. This study explores the experience of rural-to-urban migration among female Maasai migrants and how this experience affects ethnic identity, resilience, and well-being.METHODS: Thirty-one female Maasai migrants were interviewed in Swahili, Maa, or English. Researchers used a rigorous multi-pass, qualitative coding process to analyze interview transcripts.RESULTS: Migration-driving factors, specifically a desire for education (leading to permanent migrants) and a need to support one's family (resulting in circular migrants), influence how Maasai women adapt and respond to challenges in the city. Circular migrants hold closely to their traditional ethnic identity and remain isolated from city life, while permanent migrants modulate their ethnic identity and integrate into urban society.CONCLUSIONS: Increasing connections among female Maasai migrants might create a more resilient community leading to improved health. Pilot workshops with this aim are being implemented.

    View details for PubMedID 29868928

  • WELL-BEING ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE Ahuja, N., Winter, S. J., Heaney, C., Kaimal, R., Hedlin, H. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2018: S358
  • SELF-COMPASSION AND MINDFULNESS BEHAVIORAL PRACTICES: RELATIONSHIPS WITH WELL-BEING Rich, T., Winter, S. J., Kaimal, R., Hedlin, H., Heaney, C. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2018: S528
  • DO YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT YOUR LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS ARE "GOOD FOR YOU" IN ORDER FOR THEM TO AFFECT YOUR WELL-BEING? Winter, S. J., Balasubramanian, V., Hedlin, H., Heaney, C. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2018: S355
  • "Doing what I do best": The association between skill utilization and employee health with healthy behavior as a mediator. Social science & medicine Fujishiro, K., Heaney, C. A. 2017; 175: 235-243

    Abstract

    Skill utilization, defined as having the opportunity to do one's best at work, has been examined as a contributor to productivity, organizational efficiency, job satisfaction, and mental health. Drawing from self-determination theory, we postulate that high levels of skill utilization are positively associated with physical health and that some of the effect is mediated by health behavior.Using the 2014 Gallup Daily Tracking Survey data (n = 87,316), a nationally representative sample of working adults in the United States, we examine the associations between perceived skill utilization and five health outcomes (self-rated health, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, asthma) with healthy behavior (regular exercising, fruits and vegetable consumption) as a mediator of the associations.The regression results showed that a one-point increase in skill utilization (on a three-point scale) was associated with 20% lower odds of reporting poor or fair health, 3% and 8% lower odds of reporting hypertension and high cholesterol, but had no significant association with cancer or asthma. Health behavior mediated 10% of the association between skill utilization and self-rated health, 46% for hypertension, and 18% for high cholesterol.The findings suggest that providing employees the opportunities to use their skills well at work improves health in general, and the effect is partly through enhancing the likelihood of engaging in healthy behaviors. Implications for organizational practice as well as future research directions are discussed.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.12.048

    View details for PubMedID 28111118

  • Host community perspectives on trainees participating in short-term experiences in global health. Medical education Kung, T. H., Richardson, E. T., Mabud, T. S., Heaney, C. A., Jones, E., Evert, J. 2016; 50 (11): 1122-1130

    Abstract

    High-income country (HIC) trainees are undertaking global health experiences in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) host communities in increasing numbers. Although the benefits for HIC trainees are well described, the benefits and drawbacks for LMIC host communities are not well captured.This study evaluated the perspectives of supervising physicians and local programme coordinators from LMIC host communities who engaged with HIC trainees in the context of the latter's short-term experiences in global health.Thirty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with LMIC host community collaborators with a US-based, non-profit global health education organisation. Interviews took place in La Paz, Bolivia and New Delhi, India. Interview transcripts were assessed for recurrent themes using thematic analysis.Benefits for hosts included improvements in job satisfaction, local prestige, global connectedness, local networks, leadership skills, resources and sense of efficacy within their communities. Host collaborators called for improvements in HIC trainee attitudes and behaviours, and asked that trainees not make promises they would not fulfil. Findings also provided evidence of a desire for parity between the opportunities afforded to US-based staff and those available to LMIC-based partners.This study provides important insights into the perspectives of LMIC host community members in the context of short-term experiences in global health for HIC trainees. We hope to inform the behaviour of HIC trainees and institutions with regard to international partnerships and global health activities.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/medu.13106

    View details for PubMedID 27762010

  • Psychosocial work characteristics of personal care and service occupations: a process for developing meaningful measures for a multiethnic workforce ETHNICITY & HEALTH Hoppe, A., Heaney, C. A., Fujishiro, K., Gong, F., Baron, S. 2015; 20 (5): 474-492

    Abstract

    Despite their rapid increase in number, workers in personal care and service occupations are underrepresented in research on psychosocial work characteristics and occupational health. Some of the research challenges stem from the high proportion of immigrants in these occupations. Language barriers, low literacy, and cultural differences as well as their nontraditional work setting (i.e., providing service for one person in his/her home) make generic questionnaire measures inadequate for capturing salient aspects of personal care and service work. This study presents strategies for (1) identifying psychosocial work characteristics of home care workers that may affect their occupational safety and health and (2) creating survey measures that overcome barriers posed by language, low literacy, and cultural differences.We pursued these aims in four phases: (Phase 1) Six focus groups to identify the psychosocial work characteristics affecting the home care workers' occupational safety and health; (Phase 2) Selection of questionnaire items (i.e., questions or statements to assess the target construct) and first round of cognitive interviews (n = 30) to refine the items in an iterative process; (Phase 3) Item revision and second round of cognitive interviews (n = 11); (Phase 4) Quantitative pilot test to ensure the scales' reliability and validity across three language groups (English, Spanish, and Chinese; total n = 404). Analysis of the data from each phase informed the nature of subsequent phases. This iterative process ensured that survey measures not only met the reliability and validity criteria across groups, but were also meaningful to home care workers.This complex process is necessary when conducting research with nontraditional and multilingual worker populations.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/13557858.2014.925095

    View details for Web of Science ID 000357321600003

    View details for PubMedID 24990579

  • Why won't they participate? Barriers to participation in worksite health promotion programmes EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY Toker, S., Heaney, C. A., Ein-Gar, D. 2015; 24 (6): 866-881
  • Personalized normative feedback for depression symptoms: a qualitative pilot study of female undergraduates. Academic psychiatry Hom, M., Heaney, C., Koopman, C. 2014; 38 (4): 464-469

    Abstract

    This pilot study explored students' responses to feedback about their own and their peers' depression symptoms. The study also examined how experiences with the normative feedback might vary according to academic exposure to depression-related topics.For 9 weeks, female undergraduates (N = 73) completed a weekly web-based version of the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, which gauges depression symptom levels. Next, they participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews where they responded to the personalized normative feedback. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed.Students responded favorably to the feedback and without notable distress. The feedback increased students' awareness of their own depression symptoms and those of their peers. Those with higher academic exposure to depression-related topics were more likely to have accurate perceptions of their peers' depression symptoms and were less likely to be surprised by information in the feedback than students with less exposure.Personalized normative feedback for depression symptoms has potential as an effective tool for promoting more accurate views of personal and peer depression symptoms and reducing barriers to help-seeking. Students with less academic exposure to depression-related topics may benefit from increased knowledge of how to gauge their own depression symptoms and increased awareness of their peers' symptoms. Further research is needed to more fully evaluate the effects of this feedback and to directly assess the effects of this feedback on help-seeking behaviors.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s40596-014-0076-0

    View details for PubMedID 24664603

  • Personalized normative feedback for depression symptoms: a qualitative pilot study of female undergraduates. Academic psychiatry Hom, M., Heaney, C., Koopman, C. 2014; 38 (4): 464-469

    Abstract

    This pilot study explored students' responses to feedback about their own and their peers' depression symptoms. The study also examined how experiences with the normative feedback might vary according to academic exposure to depression-related topics.For 9 weeks, female undergraduates (N=73) completed a weekly web-based version of the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, which gauges depression symptom levels. Next, they participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews where they responded to the personalized normative feedback. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed.Students responded favorably to the feedback and without notable distress. The feedback increased students' awareness of their own depression symptoms and those of their peers. Those with higher academic exposure to depression-related topics were more likely to have accurate perceptions of their peers' depression symptoms and were less likely to be surprised by information in the feedback than students with less exposure.Personalized normative feedback for depression symptoms has potential as an effective tool for promoting more accurate views of personal and peer depression symptoms and reducing barriers to help-seeking. Students with less academic exposure to depression-related topics may benefit from increased knowledge of how to gauge their own depression symptoms and increased awareness of their peers' symptoms. Further research is needed to more fully evaluate the effects of this feedback and to directly assess the effects of this feedback on help-seeking behaviors.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s40596-014-0076-0

    View details for PubMedID 24664603

  • What influences youth to operate all-terrain vehicles safely? Health education research Grummon, A. H., Heaney, C. A., Dellinger, W. A., Wilkins, J. R. 2014; 29 (3): 533-546

    Abstract

    The operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by youth has contributed to the incidence of serious and fatal injuries among children. This study explored factors related to the frequency with which youth wore a helmet and refrained from engaging in three risky driving behaviors (driving at risky speeds, on paved roads and on unfamiliar terrain) while operating an ATV. Youth (n = 248) aged 9-14 from central Ohio and one of their parents completed self-report measures of ATV safety behaviors, youth general propensity for risk taking, protection motivation and parental behaviors to facilitate youth safety. Data from two focus groups provided insight on quantitative results. Analyses revealed considerable variation in the frequency with which youth performed the safety behaviors, with 13- and 14-year-olds reporting less frequent safe behavior than 9- to 12-year-olds. Multiple regression analyses suggested that parental behaviors, such as providing reminders to wear a helmet, were associated with more frequent helmet use but were not associated with risky driving behaviors. Youth's general propensity toward risk taking was not associated with helmet use and only associated with riskydriving behaviors among the 13- and 14-year-olds. Self-efficacy was an important predictor across both age groups and behaviors. Implications for injury prevention are discussed.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/her/cyu016

    View details for PubMedID 24740837

  • Workplace racial/ethnic similarity, job satisfaction, and lumbar back health among warehouse workers: Asymmetric reactions across racial/ethnic groups JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR Hoppe, A., Fujishiro, K., Heaney, C. A. 2014; 35 (2): 172-193

    View details for DOI 10.1002/job.1860

    View details for Web of Science ID 000331189800002

  • Biomechanical, psychosocial and individual risk factors predicting low back functional impairment among furniture distribution employees CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS Ferguson, S. A., Allread, W. G., Burr, D. L., Heaney, C., Marras, W. S. 2012; 27 (2): 117-123

    Abstract

    Biomechanical, psychosocial and individual risk factors for low back disorder have been studied extensively however few researchers have examined all three risk factors. The objective of this was to develop a low back disorder risk model in furniture distribution workers using biomechanical, psychosocial and individual risk factors.This was a prospective study with a six month follow-up time. There were 454 subjects at 9 furniture distribution facilities enrolled in the study. Biomechanical exposure was evaluated using the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (2001) lifting threshold limit values for low back injury risk. Psychosocial and individual risk factors were evaluated via questionnaires. Low back health functional status was measured using the lumbar motion monitor. Low back disorder cases were defined as a loss of low back functional performance of -0.14 or more.There were 92 cases of meaningful loss in low back functional performance and 185 non cases. A multivariate logistic regression model included baseline functional performance probability, facility, perceived workload, intermediated reach distance number of exertions above threshold limit values, job tenure manual material handling, and age combined to provide a model sensitivity of 68.5% and specificity of 71.9%.The results of this study indicate which biomechanical, individual and psychosocial risk factors are important as well as how much of each risk factor is too much resulting in increased risk of low back disorder among furniture distribution workers.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.09.002

    View details for Web of Science ID 000300810600003

    View details for PubMedID 21955915

  • Compliance With the North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) Work Practice Recommendations for Youth Working With Large Animals JOURNAL OF AGROMEDICINE Asti, L., Canan, B. D., Heaney, C., Ashida, S., Renick, K., Xiang, H., Stallones, L., Jepsen, S. D., Crawford, J. M., Wilkins, J. R. 2011; 16 (3): 174-193

    Abstract

    The North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) were developed to reduce the risk of childhood agricultural injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate compliance with NAGCAT-recommended work practices (WPs) when youth work with large animals. On a daily basis, over a period of 10 weeks, youth self-reported the number of minutes they worked with a large animal and whether they followed the associated NAGCAT WP guidelines. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare boys to girls and to consider the effect of factors such as youth age, farm residence status, and selected parental characteristics. A high proportion of youth exhibited relatively low compliance for most of the five WPs evaluated. Respirators were rarely worn, but checking for people and obstacles in the area while working with large animals was commonly reported. In general, boys, especially the older boys, exhibited higher compliance than did girls. The results of our study demonstrate, in general, that youth are not following recommended NAGCAT WPs when working with large animals, identifying an area in agricultural safety and health requiring focused attention.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/1059924X.2011.584044

    View details for Web of Science ID 000300238300003

    View details for PubMedID 21728869

  • Stressors, Resources, and Well-Being Among Latino and White Warehouse Workers in the United States AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE Hoppe, A., Heaney, C. A., Fujishiro, K. 2010; 53 (3): 252-263

    Abstract

    Social forces and cultural factors may contribute to Latino and White workers experiencing similar jobs differently. This study examines the psychosocial stressors and resources experienced by Latino and White workers in manual material handling jobs in the US and the effects of these stressors and resources on worker well-being.Fifty-nine Latino warehouse workers were matched with White workers by job title, job tenure, and warehouse facility. Matched sample t tests and linear regression analyses models were conducted.Results reveal similar psychosocial stressors and resources for both groups. However, Latino workers reported better well-being. For Latino workers, social resources at work such as management fairness and supervisor support have a stronger relationship with well-being. For White workers wage fairness is the most significant predictor for well-being.These differential results challenge us to consider how cultural factors, expectations and the prior work history of Latino workers may influence their experience of work and the effect of work on health.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ajim.20752

    View details for Web of Science ID 000275084500004

    View details for PubMedID 19774551

  • Social Support and Companionship Among Active African American Women AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH BEHAVIOR Harley, A. E., Katz, M. L., Heaney, C. A., Duncan, D. T., Buckworth, J., Odoms-Young, A., Willis, S. K. 2009; 33 (6): 673-685

    Abstract

    To examine the role of physical activity (PA) companions in supporting PA participation among African American women.Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups. Fifteen physically active African American women participated in the study. Grounded theory data analysis techniques were used to develop a taxonomy depicting roles of PA companions for African American women.PA companions functioned in 4 different roles: motivational, social, facilitative, and instructional. Supportive behaviors associated with each role were also elucidated.These findings provide an understanding for the function of companions in sustaining active lifestyle that can be used to inform intervention development.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000271597500005

    View details for PubMedID 19320616

  • Justice at Work, Job Stress, and Employee Health HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR Fujishiro, K., Heaney, C. A. 2009; 36 (3): 487-504

    Abstract

    A small but growing literature has documented an association between justice at work and employee health. However, the pathways and mechanisms underlying this association are not well understood. This article proposes a conceptual framework that bridges the organizational justice, occupational stress, and occupational epidemiology literatures. Justice appraisals are proposed to be both important mediators and moderators in the causal flow from exposure to the organizational environment to employee health. The potential role of justice in enhancing employee health is compared to that of the well-established concepts of social support and job control. Directions for future research are suggested, along with strategies for overcoming challenges inherent in this multidisciplinary area of research. Implications for work-site health interventions are discussed.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1090198107306435

    View details for Web of Science ID 000266397000007

    View details for PubMedID 18006665

  • Content and Frequency of Writing on Diabetes Bulletin Boards: Does Race Make a Difference? JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH Case, S., Jernigan, V., Gardner, A., Ritter, P., Heaney, C. A., Lorig, K. R. 2009; 11 (2)

    Abstract

    Diabetes-related disparities are well documented among racial minority groups in the United States. Online programs hold great potential for reducing these disparities. However, little is known about how people of different races utilize and communicate in such groups. This type of research is necessary to ensure that online programs respond to the needs of diverse populations.This exploratory study investigated message frequency and content on bulletin boards by race in the Internet Diabetes Self-Management Program (IDSMP). Two questions were asked: (1) Do participants of different races utilize bulletin boards with different frequency? (2) Do message, content, and communication style differ by race? If so, how?Subjects were drawn by purposeful sampling from participants in an ongoing study of the effectiveness of the IDSMP. All subjects had completed a 6-week intervention that included the opportunity to use four diabetes-specific bulletin boards. The sample (N = 45) consisted of three groups of 15 participants, each who self-identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native (AI/AN), African American (AA), or Caucasian, and was stratified by gender, age, and education. Utilization was assessed by counting the number of messages per participant and the range of days of participation. Messages were coded blindly for message type, content, and communication style. Data were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics.In assessing board utilization, AAs wrote fewer overall messages (P = .02) and AIs/ANs wrote fewer action planning posts (P = .05) compared with Caucasians. AIs/ANs logged in to the program for a shorter time period than Caucasians (P = .04). For message content, there were no statistical (P

    View details for DOI 10.2196/jmir.1153

    View details for Web of Science ID 000274632700006

    View details for PubMedID 19632975

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2762800

  • Developing Long-Term Physical Activity Participation: A Grounded Theory Study With African American Women HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR Harley, A. E., Buckworth, J., Katz, M. L., Willis, S. K., Odoms-Young, A., Heaney, C. A. 2009; 36 (1): 97-112

    Abstract

    Regular physical activity is linked to a reduced risk of obesity and chronic disease. African American women bear a disproportionate burden from these conditions and many do not get the recommended amount of physical activity. Long-term success of interventions to initiate and maintain a physically active lifestyle among African American women has not been realized. By clearly elucidating the process of physical activity adoption and maintenance, effective programming could be implemented to reduce African American women's burden from chronic conditions. In-depth interviews were conducted with physically active African American women. Grounded theory, a rigorous qualitative research method used to develop theoretical explanation of human behavior grounded in data collected from those exhibiting that behavior, was used to guide the data collection and analysis process. Data derived inductively from the interviews and focus groups guided the development of a behavioral framework explaining the process of physical activity evolution.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1090198107306434

    View details for Web of Science ID 000262950200008

    View details for PubMedID 18006664

  • African American Social and Cultural Contexts and Physical Activity: Strategies for Navigating Challenges to Participation WOMEN & HEALTH Harley, A. E., Odoms-Young, A., Beard, B., Katz, M. L., Heaney, C. A. 2009; 49 (1): 84-100

    Abstract

    We examined the influence of social and cultural contexts on participation in recommended levels of physical activity (PA) among African American women using a grounded theory approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups with 15 physically active African American women. Participants described social and cultural factors that served as challenges for participation in PA. Of particular importance, participants discussed their strategies for overcoming these challenges to initiate and maintain an active lifestyle. Strategies emerged to address three main areas: lack of PA exposure, PA norms and beliefs, and hair maintenance. Understanding contextually appropriate strategies to assist African American women in long-term PA maintenance will help inform effective health promotion efforts to reduce the burden of sedentary lifestyle and chronic disease in this community of women.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/03630240802690861

    View details for Web of Science ID 000264823600006

    View details for PubMedID 19485236

  • Differential associations of social support and social connectedness with structural features of social networks and the health status of older adults JOURNAL OF AGING AND HEALTH Ashida, S., Heaney, C. A. 2008; 20 (7): 872-893

    Abstract

    This study explores the extent to which the constructs of social support and social connectedness differ in terms of their associations with the structural characteristics of social networks and the health status of older adults.Trained interviewers conducted 126 face-to-face interviews with community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 85 years.Having frequent contact with network members was positively associated with social support. Network density and having network members living in close proximity were positively associated with perceived social connectedness. Furthermore, perceived social connectedness had a significant positive association with health status, whereas social support did not.Perceived social connectedness may be relatively more important to the health and well-being of older adults than the perceived availability of social support. Efforts to enhance older adults' social relationships can be focused on developing friends and companions, allowing them to feel socially engaged in society.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/0898264308324626

    View details for Web of Science ID 000259737000007

    View details for PubMedID 18815414

  • Intervention effectiveness evaluation criteria: Promoting competitions and raising the bar JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY Scharf, T., Chapman, L., Collins, J., Limanowski, J., Heaney, C., Goldenhar, L. M. 2008; 13 (1): 1-9

    Abstract

    The Intervention Evaluation Competition at the Work, Stress, and Health conference in Miami (March 2006) highlighted the importance of intervention evaluation studies that promote safety and health at work. A retitled, "Best Practices Evaluation Competition," has been included in the March, 2008, Work, Stress, and Health conference, in Washington, DC. This brief note describes the development of the criteria used to evaluate the manuscripts. The criteria are discussed with respect to (a) improving the science of evaluation methodology, (b) promoting the highest ethical standards in intervention evaluation, and (c) using the current criteria as a starting point for continuing to raise the bar for evaluation methodology. The policy implications of the evaluation criteria are discussed as well.

    View details for DOI 10.1037/1076-8998.13.1.1

    View details for Web of Science ID 000252615700001

    View details for PubMedID 18211164

  • Computer use, symptoms, and quality of life Annual Meeting of the American-Academy-of-Optometry Hayes, J. R., Sheedy, J. E., Stelmack, J. A., Heaney, C. A. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2007: 738–44

    Abstract

    To model the effects of computer use on reported visual and physical symptoms and to measure the effects upon quality of life measures.A survey of 1000 university employees (70.5% adjusted response rate) assessed visual and physical symptoms, job, physical and mental demands, ability to control/influence work, amount of work at a computer, computer work environment, relations with others at work, life and job satisfaction, and quality of life. Data were analyzed to determine whether self-reported eye symptoms are associated with perceived quality of life. The study also explored the factors that are associated with eye symptoms. Structural equation modeling and multiple regression analyses were used to assess the hypotheses.Seventy percent of the employees used some form of vision correction during computer use, 2.9% used glasses specifically prescribed for computer use, and 8% had had refractive surgery. Employees spent an average of 6 h per day at the computer. In a multiple regression framework, the latent variable eye symptoms was significantly associated with a composite quality of life variable (p = 0.02) after adjusting for job quality, job satisfaction, supervisor relations, co-worker relations, mental and physical load of the job, and job demand. Age and gender were not significantly associated with symptoms. After adjusting for age, gender, ergonomics, hours at the computer, and exercise, eye symptoms were significantly associated with physical symptoms (p < 0.001) accounting for 48% of the variance.Environmental variability at work was associated with eye symptoms and eye symptoms demonstrated a significant impact on quality of life and physical symptoms.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000249000200012

    View details for PubMedID 17700327

  • Protecting young workers in agriculture: participation in tractor certification training. Journal of agricultural safety and health Heaney, C. A., Wilkins, J. R., Dellinger, W., McGonigle, H., Elliott, M., Bean, T. L., Jepsen, S. D. 2006; 12 (3): 181-190

    Abstract

    Tractor-related injuries among youth are an important public health problem. The major objectives of this study were to (1) provide a rigorous estimate of the number of youth operating tractors in Ohio and (2) assess the extent to which these youth are participating in federally mandated tractor safety training. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by approximately 4,000 students ages 14 or 15 years who were enrolled in a stratified cluster sample of 99 Ohio schools. Almost one-third of the youth (30%) reported having operated tractors, with 19% having operated a tractor on a farm not owned by a parent or guardian. More than half of the youth (52%) reported having operated a tractor and/or other hazardous machinery, with 25% having operated the machinery on a farm not owned or operated by a parent or guardian. Extrapolating from 4-H records and Ohio census data, fewer than 1% of the youth who are operating tractors or other hazardous machinery have participated in tractor certification training. Increasing participation in mandated training may be an important step in protecting the health of our nation's young agricultural workers.

    View details for PubMedID 16981442

  • The effect of ergonomic interventions in healthcare facilities on musculoskeletal disorders AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE Fujishiro, K., Weaver, J. L., Heaney, C. A., Hamrick, C. A., Marras, W. S. 2005; 48 (5): 338-347

    Abstract

    The high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among healthcare workers suggests that the introduction of ergonomic interventions could be beneficial. While laboratory studies have clearly documented the efficacy of ergonomic devices, few studies have examined their effectiveness in the healthcare workplace.This study evaluated a statewide program that provided ergonomic consultation and financial support for purchasing ergonomic devices, which aid in patient handling and lifting. Changes in MSD rates between baseline (1 year pre-intervention) and post-intervention (up to 2 years) periods were examined in 100 work units in 86 healthcare facilities.The median MSD rate decreased from 12.32 to 6.64 per 200,000 employee-hours, a decrease greater than the secular trend for the study period (1999-2003).This study suggests that ergonomic consultation and financial support for purchasing ergonomic equipment can be an effective intervention to reduce MSDs among healthcare workers.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ajim.20225

    View details for Web of Science ID 000233125200003

    View details for PubMedID 16254947