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Research Overview
Dr. Cruess’s current research focus is in the areas of cancer prevention and cancer survivorship. Specifically, Dr. Cruess is interested in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and improving the quality of life and psychological adaptation of individuals once they are diagnosed with cancer. She is working with researchers from the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center to follow women at elevated risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and to better understand how to effectively increase awareness of HBOC and appropriate utilization of genetic testing. She is also working on a longitudinal study to examine the psychosocial needs of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer and their families in the first year after diagnosis. She is also collaborating on a study of understanding barriers to receipt of appropriate adjuvant treatment among minority women with breast cancer. More generally, Dr. Cruess is interested in health-related interventions that focus on facilitating healthy behaviors and improving the psychological well-being of individuals coping with a variety of health-related stressors.
Education
Ph.D., University of Miami, 1999 (clinical psychology)
M.S., University of Miami, 1996
B.A., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1994
Featured Publications
Cruess, S., Antoni, M., Hayes, A., Penedo, F., Ironson, G., Fletcher, M.A., Lutgendorf, S. & Schneiderman, N. (2002). Changes in mood and depressive symptoms and related change processes during cognitive behavioral stress management in HIV-infected men. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 26, 373 - 392.
Antoni, M.H., Cruess, D.G., Klimas, N., Maher, K., Cruess, S., Kumar, M., Lutgendorf, S., Ironson, G., Schneiderman, N., & Fletcher, M.A. (2002). Stress management and immune system reconstitution in symptomatic HIV-infected gay men over time: Effects on transitional naive T-cells (CD4+CD45RA+CD29+). American Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 143-144.
Dixon, D., Cruess, S., Kilbourn, K., Klimas, N., Fletcher, M.A., Ironson, G., Baum, A., Schneiderman, N. & Antoni, M.H. (2001). Social support mediates loneliness and human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) antibody titers. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 31, 1111-1132.
Penedo, F., Antoni, M.H., Schneiderman, N., Ironson, G., Malow, R., Cruess, S., Hurwitz, B. & LaPerriere, A. (2001). Dysfunctional attitudes, coping, and depression among HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 25, 591-606.
Cruess, S., Antoni, M., Cruess, D.G., Fletcher, M.A., Ironson, G., Kumar, M., Lutgendorf, S., Hayes, A., Klimas, N. & Schneiderman, N. (2000). Reductions in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 antibody titers after cognitive behavioral stress management and relationships with neuroendocrine function, relaxation skills and social support in HIV+ men. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62, 828-837.
Cruess, S., Antoni, M., Kilbourn, K., Ironson, G., Klimas, N., Fletcher, M.A., Baum, A., & Schneiderman, N. (2000). Optimism, distress, and immunologic status in HIV-infected gay men following Hurricane Andrew. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 7, 160-182.
Cruess, S., Klimas, N., Antoni, M., Helder, L., Maher, K., Keller, R. & Fletcher, M.A. (2000). Immunologic status correlates with severity of physical symptoms and perceived illness burden in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients. Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 7, 39-52.
Antoni, M.H., Cruess, S., Cruess, D.G., Kumar, M., Lutgendorf, S., Ironson, G., Dettmer, E., Williams, J., Klimas, N., Fletcher, M.A. & Schneiderman, N. (2000). Cognitive behavioral stress management reduces distress and 24-hour urinary free cortisol output among symptomatic HIV-infected gay men. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 22, 29-37.
Antoni, M.H., Cruess, D.G., Cruess, S., Lutgendorf, S., Kumar, M., Ironson, G., Klimas, N., Fletcher, M.A. & Schneiderman, N. (2000). Cognitive behavioral stress management intervention effects on anxiety, 24-hour urinary norepinephrine output, and T-cytotoxic/suppressor cells over time among symptomatic HIV-infected gay men. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68, 31-45.
Cruess, D.G., Antoni, M.H., Schneiderman, N., Ironson, G., McCabe, P., Fernandez, J.B., Cruess, S., Klimas, N. & Kumar, M. (2000). Cognitive-behavioral stress management increases free testosterone and decreases psychological distress in HIV-seropositive men. Health Psychology, 19, 12-20.
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