Cecelia Valrie, PhDPsychology - Division of Health Psychology
VCU Pediatric Health and Development Lab
My research focuses on improving the health and well-being of youth and young adults at high risk for poor health outcomes, with a focus on youth with sickle cell disease (SCD), Black youth, and youth living in low resource environments. My primary research line focuses on exploring the biopsychosocial factors and processes that influence pain, sleep, and adjustment in youth with SCD. While my secondary research line focuses on exploring the role that sleep plays in promoting the development and maintenance of pediatric health disparities. I am also focused on translating my research through collaborations with health care providers, community members and groups, and youth and their families to create programs that can work in both health care, community, and school settings.
My work is grounded in health psychology and developmental theories, and uses a mix of methodologies, including survey, interviews, and mobile health (mhealth) technology (e.g., ecological momentary assessments and sleep actigraphy) that allows for time-sensitive assessments in the environments youth live in. It also spans the range of bio-behavioral research (e.g., focused on individual factors and processes) to community-engaged research (e.g., informed by, in partnership with, or lead by community members.)
Health equity
